Category Archives: Book Opinion

A Nantucket Christmas

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Author:  Nancy Thayer
Publisher:  Ballentine Books                   nantucket christmas
Genre: Holiday
Source: Mary Ann ( friend )

 

 

Goodreads:  Known for her heartwarming observations of family life, New York Timesbestselling author Nancy Thayer showcases her beloved Nantucket’s snowy off-season in this emotionally gratifying and utterly entertaining story.

Holidays on this Massachusetts island are nothing short of magical, from the jolly decorations on the Brant Point lighthouse to the much anticipated Christmas Stroll, in which merrymakers promenade through quaint streets adorned with Yuletide cheer. The season’s wonderful traditions are much loved by Nicole Somerset, new to Nantucket and recently married to a handsome former attorney. Their home is already full of enticing scents of pine, baking spices, and homemade pie.

But the warm, festive mood is soon tempered by Nicole’s chilly stepdaughter, Kennedy, who arrives without a hint of holiday spirit. Determined to keep her stepmother at arms’ length—or, better yet, out of the picture altogether—Kennedy schemes to sabotage Nicole’s holiday preparations. Nicole, however, is not about to let anyone or anything tarnish her first Christmas with her new husband.

Nancy Thayer’s wonderful tale reminds us that this is the season of miracles. Before the gifts are unwrapped, surprise visitors appear, and holiday joy comes to all, both naughty and nice.

Ope’s Opinion:  I read this on my airplane ride to Seattle.  It kept my attention in spite of all the airplane interruptions ( safety check, do you want a drink, do you want food, etc. ).  I enjoyed the story of Nicole trying to make a wonderful family holiday with a family that is new to her.

Nicole is my idea of a christian – she was gentle, kind and patient when those around her were difficult and disrespectful.  What an awesome example.

There is quiet a bit of drama in this short story. So if life is already crazy for you, you might want to save this one until after the holidays when things are a little quieter.

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

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Author:  Kristyn Kusek Lewis
Publisher:  Grand Central Publishing               save me
Genre:  Women’s Fiction
Source:  Grand Central Publishing

 

 

 

Goodreads:  Daphne Mitchell has always believed in cause and effect, right and wrong, good and bad. The good: her dream job as a doctor; Owen, her childhood sweetheart and now husband; the beautiful farmhouse they’re restoring together. In fact, most of her life has been good–until the day Owen comes home early from work to tell her he’s fallen head over heels for someone else.

Unable to hate him, but also equally incapable of moving forward, Daphne’s life hangs in limbo until the day Owen’s new girlfriend sustains near-fatal injuries in a car accident. As Daphne becomes a pillar of support for the devastated Owen, and realizes that reconciliation may lie within her grasp, she has to find out whether forgiveness is possible and decide which path is the right one for her.

Ope’s Opinion:  This is a slow moving, deeply emotional book.  As you follow Daphne through her heartbreak, you can really feel her heaviness.  I like books that  are realistic, but at times this one is so realistic it is difficult to read.

It is hard to read about a marriage that has so many struggles.  Daphne has hard decisions to make.  Her family and friends don’t always agree, but they obviously love her and want what will be best for her.

I felt like Owen was lazy.  Marriage takes work.  It takes time and effort to put someone else first.   Owen just thought of himself and the short term happiness.

Kristyn Kusek Lewis wrote a very real look at one marriage.

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

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Author:  Lisa Scottoline                           betrayed
Publisher:  St. Martin’s Press
Genre:  Mystery
Source: BEA

 

Publication Date:  November 25, 2014

 

Goodreads:  The women of Rosato & Associates return, after the relaunch of the series that started with Accused. This second entry, Betrayed, stars Judy Carrier, who has had the starring role in only one previous Rosato book. When Betrayed opens, Judy Carrier finds herself at a crossroads in her life. Her best friend, Mary DiNunzio, has just become partner and is about to become a bride, leaving Judy vaguely out of sorts. She’s not jealous, but she’s not happy either and she’s wondering where her own career and love life are going. To make matters worse, she is rocked to her emotional foundations when she learns that her beloved Aunt Vicky has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She races to her aunt’s side, and so does Judy’s mother, only to find that her aunt is dealing with the sudden death of a friend who had been helping her through chemo. The friend, Emelia Juarez, was an undocumented worker at a local farm, but her death doesn’t look natural at all, to Judy. Judy begins to investigate, following a path that leads her into an underground world far more dangerous than she ever imagined. Judy has to dig to uncover what happened to Emelia, and at the same time unearth the secrets in her own family.

Ope’s Opinion:  When I received this book at BEA, I did not realize it was part of a series.  As I read, it felt like a stand alone.  Lisa Scottoline introduced everyone in such a way that you didn’t feel like you were missing anything.   It read really fast.

I did feel that this book had a lot going on at the same time.  Some times I lost the mystery among all the other events going on.  I did enjoy the twists and turns before the end.

This book actually made me feel like it should be turned into series for television.

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

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Author:  Steena Holmes
Publisher:  Lake Union Publishing
Genre:  Contemporary Fiction                     still
Source:  Booksparks

 

 

Goodreads:  After losing her son in an elementary school shooting that devastates the tight-knit community of Stillwater Bay, Jennifer Crowne finds herself unable to settle back into her role of perfect stay-at-home mom and committee organizer. Meanwhile, her best friend, Mayor Charlotte Stone, struggles to keep the town together, and Charlotte s husband, the school principal, may not be the hero everyone thinks him to be.

As they try to heal from this irrevocable trauma, Jenn and Charlotte find themselves at a crossroads within the town and within their friendship. For Jenn, broken and grieving, there is no going back, and she demands that the school be closed so that she can bury the past. Yet Charlotte is equally desperate to hold the town together, fighting the school closure and helping the shooter s mother regain her place in the community. Jenn and Charlotte s relationship is put to the ultimate test as each weighs her own interests against the bonds of their friendship.”

Ope’s Opinion:  Oh, my this book is amazing, wonderful, awesome … not enough positive adjectives to describe it.  It is a stop time, all I want to do is read book.

Yes, there are several books about school shootings, the devastation and the aftermath.  But this book is very different.  Steena Holmes writes in such a way that her characters are your neighbors, your friends or even maybe you.  You feel for each person who is struggling to deal with what happened and their part in it.

This book made me think about how I might react if I had been put into this situation?  How would I treat the mother of the shooter?  Would I be able to reach out to other parents grieving or would I be swallowed whole and not be able to manage my own grief, let alone help someone else?  I really enjoy books that make me think…

I am anxiously looking forward to her next book Stillwater Deep.

Rating:  Five Chairs – This book is so good it will be passed on and on and on…..
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The Thursday Night Club

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Author: Steven Manchester
Publisher:  The Story Plant                       thursday night club
Genre: Adult Fiction                                    
Source:  Steven Manchester

 

 

 

Amazon:   Five college friends, three men and two women, have been getting together every Thursday night to share humble meals and an abundance of laughter. But when tragedy takes one of them, leaving the others to question the fairness of life, the Thursday Night Club decides to embark on a contest in the memory of the generous spirit of their fallen brother. The objective of the contest is simple: whoever performs the kindest deed by Christmas night wins the pot – four quarters. And there are only two conditions: the benevolent deed must be anonymous, and it cannot cost a single penny to pull off.

As the four friends undertake the contest, the healing begins and they become inspired beyond their expectations. There might be a winner in this competition, but it is very clear there will be no losers.

A story of Christmas spirit that will strike a chord in your heart any time of year, The Thursday Night Club will make you look at the holiday season in new ways.

Ope’s Opinion:  This novella started out with some students playing pranks.  I do not enjoy pranks or jokes pulled on anyone.  So this started out as not a great read for me.  It took a quick turn – something tragic happened.  It turned four lives around, which turned the book into one of my favorites for the holidays.  If you have the chance, read it, share, and suggest it to someone else.

Steven Manchesters other books are worth the read also.  Pick one or two up for Christmas gifts – you won’t be sorry and neither will the receiver of your gift.

Rating:  Four Chairs – I like this book so much I know several friends to share it with.                       de9fc-4chairs

Isla and the Happily Ever After

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Author:  Stephanie Perkins
Publisher:  Dutton
Genre: Contemporary Young Adult             isla
Source: My Daughter
             Kritters Ramblings

 

 

 

 

Goodreads:   Love ignites in the City That Never Sleeps, but can it last?

Hopeless romantic Isla has had a crush on introspective cartoonist Josh since their first year at the School of America in Paris. And after a chance encounter in Manhattan over the summer, romance might be closer than Isla imagined. But as they begin their senior year back in France, Isla and Josh are forced to confront the challenges every young couple must face, including family drama, uncertainty about their college futures, and the very real possibility of being apart.

Featuring cameos from fan-favorites Anna, Étienne, Lola, and Cricket, this sweet and sexy story of true love—set against the stunning backdrops of New York City, Paris, and Barcelona—is a swoonworthy conclusion to Stephanie Perkins’s beloved series.

Ope’s Opinion:  This is the third Stephanie Perkins book I have read.  This is the best one!!  It is the third in  a series.  You do not have to read the other two to enjoy this one.

This is a young adult book that I can absolutely recommend to anyone.  Even if you are not usually a young adult reader – you should pick this one up.  It is the most amazing, sweet, well written love story.  In general I do not reread books, but this is one I will put on the shelf and get back to again.

Stephanie Perkins knows how to write.  She kept my attention throughout the whole book.  It seems when I pick up one of her books, I loose track of time and just enjoy it.

Rating:  Five Chairs – This book is so good it will be passed on and on and on…
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Camp Boyfriend

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Author: J.K. Rock
Publisher:  Spencer Hill Contemporary
Genre:  Contemporary Young Adult                        camp
Source:  BEA

 

 

 

Goodreads:  The summer of her dreams is about to get a reality check.

They said it couldn’t be done, but geeky sophomore Lauren Carlson transformed herself into a popular girl after moving to a new school halfway across the country. Amazing what losing her braces and going out for cheerleading will do. Only trouble is, the popular crowd is wearing on Lauren’s nerves and she can’t wait to return to summer camp where she’s valued for her brain instead of her handsprings. She misses her old friends and most of all, her long time camp-only boyfriend, Seth. This year she intends to upgrade their relationship to year-round status once she’s broken up with her new, jock boyfriend, Matt. He doesn’t even begin to know the real her, a girl fascinated by the night sky who dreams of discovering new planets and galaxies.

But Matt isn’t giving her up without a fight. As he makes his case to stay together, Lauren begins to realize his feelings run deeper than she ever would have guessed. What if the guy she thought she was meant to be with forever isn’t really The One? Returning to Camp Juniper Point was supposed to ground her uprooted life, but she’s more adrift than ever. Everything feels different and soon Lauren’s friends are turning on her and both guys question what she really wants. As summer tensions escalate, Lauren wonders if she’s changed more than she thought. Will her first big discovery be herself?

Ope’s Opinion:  This was a quick, cute read that I think middle school students will enjoy.  Watching Lauren figure out who she is and what she wants is the basis for the story.

The whole book centers around Lauren struggling between friends and two guys she is interested in.  There were times I wanted the story to move faster.  I thought Lauren was indecisive ( but aren’t middle school girls indecisive?? ).  The characters were in high school, but read more like middle school students for me.

The language and sexual content was very appropriate.  I would have given this to my daughters to read when they were in middle school.

 

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

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Author: Jill Shalvis
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Genre: Contemporary Romance                  forever
Source:  BEA

 

 

 

 

Goodreads:  LOVE CAN HAPPEN IN A HEARTBEAT.

Grace never thought she’d be starting her life over from scratch. Losing everything has landed her in Lucky Harbor, working as a dog walker for overwhelmed ER doctor Josh Scott. But the day his nanny fails to show up, Grace goes from caring for Josh’s loveable mutt to caring for his rambunctious kids. Soon Grace is playing house with the sexy single dad…

With so many people depending on him, Josh has no time for anything outside of his clinic and family–until Grace arrives in town. Now this brainy blonde is turning his life inside out and giving a whole new meaning to the phrase “good bedside manner.” Josh and Grace don’t know if what they have can last. But in a town like Lucky Harbor, a lifetime of love starts with just one day…

Ope’s Opinion:  I enjoyed this easy romantic read.  It was another part of the Lucky Harbor series.  Some of the characters from previous books were in this story.  You did not have to read  the other books to enjoy this one.

I liked the characters in this book.  I liked Toby.  At times his Arf was annoying.  I thought the doctor was overwhelmed – which seemed likely with all he had going on.

The part that I did not enjoy was all the mishaps that Grace had with the dog and getting locked out of the house and on and on.  It was just too much after a while to think it was cute.

I also wish that the characters had taken the time to get to know each other before they fell into bed together.  This seems to be the way Jill Shalvis writes her romances.

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

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Author: Jill Shalvis
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Genre:Contemporary Romance    at last
Source:  BEA

 

 

 

Goodreads:  HER LOVE HAS COME ALONG . . .
Amy Michaels loves her new life in Lucky Harbor. A waitress in the local diner, she’s looking forward to her first weekend hike through the mountains. But when a wrong turn takes her off the trail, she finds herself up close and personal with forest ranger Matt Bowers. And even though she’s tempted to kiss that sexy smile right off his face, she won’t make the mistake of getting involved with the town heartthrob.

A former cop whose life went south, Matt doesn’t let anyone get too close. But something about the feisty beauty caught his eye the moment he first saw her in the diner. After a hot night under a starry sky, Matt can’t deny their attraction-or the fact that for the first time in a long time, he feels the stirrings of something more. Now it’s up to Matt to help Amy see that, no matter what is in their past, together they can build a future in Lucky Harbor.

Ope’s Opinion:  This was a very predictable story, but isn’t that what you want when you read Jill Shalvis?  She writes good romance.

I could use a little less detailed on the sex scenes and a little less foul language – which I know is coming from Jill.  I just usually like the story enough to read through the parts I don’t really care for.

This story was not my favorite Jill Shalvis book. If you like her as an author, you may like this one better then I did.   I am still planning on reading Forever and a Day next.  I hope I like it a little better then this one.

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

Tease

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Author:  Amanda Maciel
Publisher: Balzer & Bray
Genre: Contemporary Young Adult
Source:  BEA                                       tease

 

 

 

 

Goodreads:  From debut author Amanda Maciel comes a provocative and unforgettable novel, inspired by real-life incidents, about a teenage girl who faces criminal charges for bullying after a classmate commits suicide.

Emma Putnam is dead, and it’s all Sara Wharton’s fault. At least, that’s what everyone seems to think. Sara, along with her best friend and three other classmates, has been criminally charged for the bullying and harassment that led to Emma’s shocking suicide. Now Sara is the one who’s ostracized, already guilty according to her peers, the community, and the media. In the summer before her senior year, in between meetings with lawyers and a court-recommended therapist, Sara is forced to reflect on the events that brought her to this moment—and ultimately consider her own role in an undeniable tragedy. And she’ll have to find a way to move forward, even when it feels like her own life is over.

With its powerful narrative, unconventional point of view, and strong anti-bullying theme, this coming-of-age story offers smart, insightful, and nuanced views on high school society, toxic friendships, and family relationships.

Ope’s Opinion:  From the first page this book was very intense.  It  kept the tension up throughout the whole book.  It felt very realistic to me.  It was hard to read and a couple of times I wanted to put it down, but I just wanted to see where the story was going to go.  

 I liked that the subject of bullying was verbal and not really much physical bullying. Physical bullying is easier to spot.   I also liked that it was mostly  about girls.  

I didn’t like that the adults were not involved as much as I thought they should be.  But this also felt realistic in that I don’t think students tell the adults in their lives what is going on when they are being bullied or doing the bullying.

Amanda Maciel wrote the characters so vividly that you don’t like them – which I think is exactly what she was aiming for.  She did a great job of showing the influence one person has over another.

I think this book made me want to see if the bully was being bullied.  In this book I think Sara ( who was the bully ) was being bullied by Brielle.  That doesn’t give Sara an excuse to bully, but it just makes me think…

Rating: Four Chairs -I like this book so much I know several friends to share it with.               de9fc-4chairs