Category Archives: Book Opinion

Pressed Pennies

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Author: Steven Manchester             pressed pennies
Publisher:  Story Plant
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Source:  Story Plant

 

 

 

Goodreads:  

Rick and Abby grew up together, became best friends, and ultimately fell in love. Circumstance tore them apart in their early teens, though, and they went on to lives less idyllic than they dreamed about in those early days. Rick has had a very successful career, but his marriage flat-lined. Abby has a magical daughter, Paige, but Paige’s father nearly destroyed Abby’s spirit.

 

Now fate has thrown Rick and Abby together again. In their early thirties, they are more world-weary than they were as kids. But their relationship still shimmers, and they’re hungry to make up for lost time. However, Paige, now nine, is not nearly as enthusiastic. She’s very protective of the life she’s made with her mother and not open to the duo becoming a trio. Meanwhile, Rick has very little experience dealing with kids and doesn’t know how to handle Paige. This leaves Abby caught between the two people who matter the most to her. What happens when the life you’ve dreamed of remains just inches from your grasp?

 

PRESSED PENNIES is a nuanced, intensely romantic, deeply heartfelt story of love it its many incarnations, relationships in their many guises, and family in its many meanings. It is the most accomplished and moving novel yet from a truly great storyteller of the heart.

Ope’s Opinion: Pressed Pennies is a slow paced, sweet story to savor.  The end of the story was predictable, but there were some twists and curves along the way.  It was a good story to read.

The characters felt like someone you might know.  They had flaws that made them relatable.  Even if you have not been divorced, you can see how it effects all those around  it.  This story shows a mothers need to put her child above all else.

Steven Manchester wrote another awesome story worth the read.

Rating:  Four Chairs – I like this book so much I know several friends to share it with.
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It Had To Be You

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Author: Susan May Warren                       it had to be you
Publisher:  Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
Genre:  Contemporary Christian Fiction
Source:  Kristin of Kritters Ramblings

 

 

 

Goodreads:   Eden Christiansen never imagined her role as her younger brother Owen’s cheerleader would keep her on the sidelines of her own life. Sure, it feels good to be needed, but looking after the reckless NHL rookie leaves little time for Eden to focus on her own career. She dreamed of making a name for herself as a reporter, but is stuck writing obits–and starting to fear she doesn’t have the chops to land a major story. If only someone would step up to mentor Owen . . . but she knows better than to expect help from team veteran and bad-boy enforcer Jace Jacobsen.Jace has built his career on the infamous reputation of his aggressive behavior–on and off the ice. Now at a crossroads about his future in hockey, that reputation has him trapped. And the guilt-trip he’s getting from Eden Christiansen isn’t making things any easier. But when Owen’s carelessness leads to a career-threatening injury and Eden stumbles upon a story that could be her big break, she and Jace are thrown together . . . and begin to wonder if they belong on the same team after all.

Ope’s Opinion:  This is the second book of the Christiansen Family.  It is so captivating from the beginning to the very end.  I enjoyed not only the main characters, but all the secondary people as well.  

Eden and Jace feel like real people with flaws and misunderstandings.  It is a predictable story of their romance, but the bumps along the way made me not want to put the book down.

Susan May Warren brought God into the story without making it feel preachy or pushy.  You could see the characters question their faith and question God.  You could also see their faith grow in each other and in God.

I am ready for another Susan May Warren book!

Rating:  Five Chairs – This book is so good it will be passed on and on and on …..
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I Really Do Miss Your Smile

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Author: Susan May Warren                          smile
Publisher: Susan May Warren Fiction
Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction
Source: Kristin of Kitters Ramblings

 

 

 

Goodreads:  Eden Christiansen never imagined her role as her younger brother Owen’s cheerleader would keep her on the sidelines of her own life. Sure, it feels good to be needed, but looking after the reckless NHL rookie leaves little time for Eden to focus on her own career. She dreamed of making a name for herself as a reporter, but is stuck writing obits—and starting to fear she doesn’t have the chops to land a major story. If only someone would step up to mentor Owen . . . but she knows better than to expect help from team veteran and bad-boy enforcer Jace Jacobsen.

Jace has built his career on the infamous reputation of his aggressive behavior—on and off the ice. Now at a crossroads about his future in hockey, that reputation has him trapped. And the guilt-trip he’s getting from Eden Christiansen isn’t making things any easier. But when Owen’s carelessness leads to a career-threatening injury and Eden stumbles upon a story that could be her big break, she and Jace are thrown together . . . and begin to wonder if they belong on the same team after all.

Ope’s Opinion: This was a perfect prequel to the Christiansen family.  It was a sweet read.  It amazes me how even with a few words Susan May Warren can convey such a deep wonderful love story.  

If you aren’t sure you would like Christian Fiction – this the book to read.  It is a short and full story, but not pushy with faith.  Warren always does a great job of making it known that God is there in such a gentle way.

Now I am ready to see how the Christiansen family continues.

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

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Author:  Judy Blume           forever
Publisher: Pan Children’s
Genre:  Young Adult
Source:  Purchased

 

 

 

Goodreads:  Katherine and Michael meet at a New Year’s Eve party. They’re attracted to each other, they grow to love each other. And once they’ve decided their love is forever, they make love.

It’s the beginning of an intense and exclusive relationship, with a future all planned. Until Katherine’s parents insist that she and Michael put their love to the test with a summer apart…

“Forever” is written for an older age group than Judy Blume’s other novels for children. It caused a storm of controversy when it was first published because of its explicit sexual content.

It was a book ahead of its time – and remains, after thirty years in print, a teenage best-seller. America’s No. 1 children’s author has written some of the best books of our time about real-life issues – family stress and pressures, what happens when your parents divorce, the problems of growing up and sexual awakening, bereavement – with insight, sensitivity and honesty.

Ope’s Opinion:  I have very mixed feelings about this book.  First, I am a Judy Blume fan, so I was excited to read this book.  On the other hand, I thought it was going to be a love story and it was mostly about sex.  It was very realistic – maybe more so then I wanted!

I have two grown daughters, I am not sure if I would want them to have read this book in their teen years or not.  It would show them two responsible teens.  It would also show how young love doesn’t usually last.  I would hope it would make a young person really think and make informed decisions.

I have a book shelf for my granddaughter – I don’t think this will be one I will keep for her.

Rating:  Three Chairs – I like this book enough to suggest it to a friend or two.
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Love and Other Foreign Words

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love and othr

 

Author:  Erin McCahan                                 love
Publisher:  Dial
Genre: Contemporary Young Adult
Source: Sparks Point Studio

 

 

 

Goodreads:  Perfect for fans of John Green and Rainbow Rowell, Love and Other Foreign Words is equal parts comedy and coming of age–a whip-smart, big-hearted, laugh-out-loud love story about sisters, friends, and what it means to love at all.

Can anyone be truly herself–or truly in love–in a language that’s not her own?

Sixteen-year-old Josie lives her life in translation. She speaks High School, College, Friends, Boyfriends, Break-ups, and even the language of Beautiful Girls. But none of these is her native tongue–the only people who speak that are her best friend Stu and her sister Kate. So when Kate gets engaged to an epically insufferable guy, how can Josie see it as anything but the mistake of a lifetime? Kate is determined to bend Josie to her will for the wedding; Josie is determined to break Kate and her fiancé up. As battles are waged over secrets and semantics, Josie is forced to examine her feelings for the boyfriend who says he loves her, the sister she loves but doesn’t always like, and the best friend who hasn’t said a word–at least not in a language Josie understands.

Ope’s Opinion:  I bounced between three and four chairs.  I liked this book more then the average book, but it wasn’t a hold your breath kind of story.

This book was about love – all kinds – between sisters, parents, those about to get married and those still figuring out what love is all about.  The sisters love is the center of the story.  They were not always nice to each other, but they kept coming back to the fact that they love each other.

I loved that Josie ( the main character ) does not take romantic love lightly.   She thinks about her feelings before she expresses them.  Josie is very snarky – so if you like that kind of character you will really like her.

Erin McCahan can write good dialogue.  She keeps your attention.  I will read more of her books.

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

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Author:  Marilyn Grey                 bloom
Publisher:  Winslet Press
Genre: Contemporary New Adult
Source: Winslet Press

 

Release Date:  May 19, 2014

 

Goodreads:  

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.
-Helen Keller

Have you ever wondered how many people would still love you if you were no longer beautiful? Have you ever thought of people who wake up and can’t stand the idea of seeing their reflections? Have you ever considered that death may be easier than life?

I never did. Not once. Not until one moment, one mistake, changed my life forever.

I woke up to beeping machines, hovering faces, and pain like you wouldn’t believe. I’m not just talking about my burns either. I’m talking about my heart.

My name is Sarah Jordan and this is my story. I’m tired of pretending to be perfect. Of painting on a smile when I’m struggling. My story isn’t always pretty and easy to read, but it hasn’t been easy to live either. I’m opening up. Letting you in. So maybe, just maybe, together we can peel away the masks and find true beauty. True life. Underneath it all.

Welcome to my heart … bound within the pages of Bloom.

Book 5 in The Unspoken Series. This is a 10 book series, best when read in order.

A beautiful, successful, sweet personality with the world at her fingertips, Sarah Jordan falls in love with James, a charming man who adores her. But he comes with broken pieces and a daughter he adopted when his brother and sister-in-law died in an accident he feels he could’ve prevented. When she finally decides to say yes to his many proposals, they are both burned in a campfire accident. After a year of hospital beds and stark lights, Sarah is released to go home with everything but her former beauty. As she recovers, James struggles with regret and guilt as Sarah fights to overcome the depression that comes with a new life so different from the one she loved so much. Her joy and security are tested while budding relationships cleanse wounds they never knew they had.

Ope’s Opinion:  This book has a heartbeat of it’s own.  You could feel it as you read each page. It is a love story, but not in the traditional sense.  It is about learning to know and love your true self.  

Sarah’s heartbeat started out weak and irregular.  As the story unfolds, it becomes stronger and more regular.  You root for Sarah to heal ( on the inside ) from page one. You will feel Sarah’s pain, you will see her hurt, and you will laugh with her.

Marilyn Grey writes a book that  will inspire you to be a more beautiful person from the inside out.  She writes in such a way that helps you see the world from another perspective.  I recommend this book.  Bloom is a beautiful book!

Rating: Five Chairs – This book is so good it will be passed on and on and on…..
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In the Mirror

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Author: Kaira Rouda
Publisher: Real You Publishing Group                                Genre:  Chick Lit
Source: Author

 

This book goes on sale May 1, 2014.
Go get your copy.
Amazon: http://ow.ly/vZHPb

 

Goodreads:   If you knew you may die soon, what choices would you make?

Jennifer Benson has it all: a successful career, a perfect husband, two kids and abundant friendships. The only problem is she may be dying. IN THE MIRROR is the realistic love story about a woman facing a deadly illness, and her loves past and present. It’s a story that unfolds with a delightful blend of humor and poignancy, ringing true in the heart of anyone who has ignored a warning of her own.

Ope’s Opinion:  This book made me think.  It was really well written.  The author makes you look at what the main character did – and say to yourself – would I do what she did?  How would I handle what life throws at me?

Everyone who is around the person with cancer is effected.  The party that Jennifer threw showed how many people were effect by her illness.  It was interesting to see how her husband handled her illness and how he handle life without her being able to help with the children.  As in any major change in life it is a hard adjustment.

The ending was different then I expected.  

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

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Author:  Brenda Janowitz                  lonely                     
Publisher:  Point
Genre:  Young Adult
Source:  Purchased

 

 

 

Goodreads:   Love is all you need… or is it? Penny’s about to find out in this wonderful debut.

Penny is sick of boys and sick of dating. So she vows: no more. It’s a personal choice. . .and, of course, soon everyone wants to know about it. And a few other girls are inspired. A movement is born: The Lonely Hearts Club (named after the band from Sgt. Pepper). Penny is suddenly known for her nondating ways . . . which is too bad, because there’s this certain boy she can’t help but like. . .

Ope’s Opinion:  This is such a wonderful book for young adults to read.  There is a little bit of boy drama, but the focus is on girl friends.  I really like how the girls in this book put their friends before boys.  

The theme in this book of not changing for other people – friends or boys is awesome! They also discovered what they wanted to do as individuals – not following the crowd. It was such a good example of independent girls supporting each other  – not talking behind each others back.

I enjoyed this book and would recommend it for any young adult.

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

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Don’t Call Me Baby

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Author: Gwendolyn Heasley                    dont call me baby
Publisher:  Harper Teen
Genre: Young Adult
Source:  Little Bird Publicity

 

 

 

Goodreads:  All her life, Imogene has been known as the girl on THAT blog.

Imogene’s mother has been writing an incredibly embarrassing, and incredibly popular, blog about her since before she was born. Hundreds of thousands of perfect strangers knew when Imogene had her first period. Imogene’s crush saw her “before and after” orthodontia photos. But Imogene is fifteen now, and her mother is still blogging about her, in gruesome detail, against her will.

When a mandatory school project compels Imogene to start her own blog, Imogene is reluctant to expose even more of her life online…until she realizes that the project is the opportunity she’s been waiting for to tell the truth about her life under the virtual microscope and to define herself for the first time.

Don’t Call Me Baby is a sharply observed and irrepressibly charming story about mothers and daughters, best friends and first crushes, and the surface-level identities we show the world online and the truth you can see only in real life.

Ope’s Opinion:  This is definitely a younger adult book, but it is really cute.  It is a quick, easy, fun read.

I have a granddaughter, that has been blogged about since we knew she was on her way. Her mother ( my daughter ) The Underestimated Mom has been blogging for along time.  I am wondering how her daughter will feel when she is fifteen.  I will be passing this book on to her.  My daughter/granddaughter’s situation is nothing like the book, but it is interesting to see the next generations reaction to all the blogs out there.

Teen years are hard enough – I can’t imagine being on display for all the world to watch me go through that time in my life.  The mother/daughter relationship isn’t always easy – it was good to see both sides of this issue.

I do like how things ended in the book.  I am interested in reading another book by Gwendolyn Heasley.

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

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Author: Tracie Peterson                                                 house
Publisher:  Bethany House Publishers
Genre:  Christian Fiction
Source:  Purchased

 

 

 

Goodreads:   When her father orchestrates a surprise trip to the summer house of her childhood, Bailee Cooper is unprepared for what follows. What is intended to be a happy reunion for Bailee and her sisters, Geena and Piper, quickly becomes shrouded by memories from the past.

Together again, the three sisters sift through their recollections of fifteen years ago…of an ill mother, and of their father making a desperate choice. They vowed, as children, to be silent–but one sister believes the truth must now be revealed. Yet can they trust their memories?

Mark Delahunt arrives in the wake of this emotional turmoil. Determined to win Bailee’s affection, Mark becomes the strong fortress for her in this time of confusion, and what was once a tentative promise begins to take root and grow. Caught between the past and an uncertain future, can Bailee let God guide her to heal the past and ultimately to embrace love?

Ope’s Opinion:  This family had a lot of misunderstandings and secrets to deal with.  By not being honest with each other, they all assumed incorrect information.  The family met at a vacation home they owned and hashed it all out.  It felt unrealistic to me that for fifteen years they don’t go to this vacation home and don’t talk about their secrets, then it all comes out in a matter of a few days.  I also thought God was awkwardly infused in the story at random times.  It did not come across that God was a natural part of their lives.

I enjoyed the story being told from Bailee’s perspective.  The flash backs gave you insight to her childhood.

I really liked the fact that going to counseling was treated like going to any other doctor.  They encouraged each other to get the help they needed.

Overall, this story was okay.  I might try a different Tracie Peterson book.

 


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