Category Archives: Book Opinion

Coming Soon….

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… 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…

the good wife

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

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Author: Linda Lael Miller                                       big sky wedding             
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.
3 chairs

The Hero

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Author: Robyn Carr                                 the hero
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.

3 chairs

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!

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BoB8.0-200x200It 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!

The Newcomer

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Author:  Robyn Carr                                                                       Manually Released
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.
Ope's Rating System

Choker

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Author: Elizabeth Woods
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers        chocker
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.
1 chair

The Witness

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Author: Nora Roberts
Publisher:  Berkley Trade                        the witness
Pages: 544
Genre:  Romance/ Suspense
Source: My friend Robyn

Goodreads:  In her stunning new novel, #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts proves why no one is better “when it comes to flawlessly fusing high-stakes suspense with red-hot romance” (Booklist). 

Daughter of a cold, controlling mother and an anonymous donor, studious, obedient Elizabeth Fitch finally let loose one night, drinking too much at a nightclub and allowing a strange man’s seductive Russian accent to lure her to a house on Lake Shore Drive. 

Twelve years later, the woman now known as Abigail Lowery lives alone on the outskirts of a small town in the Ozarks. A freelance security systems programmer, her own protection is supplemented by a fierce dog and an assortment of firearms. She keeps to herself, saying little, revealing nothing. Unfortunately, that seems to be the quickest way to get attention in a tiny southern town. 

The mystery of Abigail Lowery and her sharp mind, secretive nature, and unromantic viewpoints intrigues local police chief Brooks Gleason, on both a personal and professional level. And while he suspects that Abigail needs protection from something, Gleason is accustomed to two-bit troublemakers, not the powerful and dangerous men who are about to have him in their sights. 

And Abigail Lowery, who has built a life based on security and self-control, is at risk of losing both.

Ope’s Opinion: The central story in this book was very good.  But there were too many side stories that didn’t have anything to do with/or add anything to the main story. If the book had been shorter, it would have kept my attention so much better.
The main part of the story was repeated a few different times to different characters – it should have just been summarized.
I did like Elizabeth and I did want her to be safe and happy, but the tension in the story was lost when the story went off to other tangents.

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

Three Sisters

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Author:  Susan Mallerythree sisters
Publisher:  Harlequin MIRA
Pages:  325
Genre:  Romance
Source:  Library

Goodreads:   After Andi Gordon is jilted at the altar, she makes the most impetuous decision of her life – buying one of the famed Three Sisters Queen Anne houses on Blackberry Island. Now the proud-ish owner of the ugly duckling of the trio, she plans to open her own pediatric office on the first floor, just as soon as her hunky contractor completes the work. Andi’s new future may be coming together, but the truth is she’s just as badly in need of a major renovation as her house.

When Deanna Phillips confronts her husband about a suspected affair, she opens up a Pandora’s Box of unhappiness. And he claims that she is the problem. The terrible thing is, he’s right. In her quest to be the perfect woman, she’s lost herself, and she’s in danger of losing her entire family if things don’t change. 

Next door, artist Boston King thought she and her college sweetheart would be married forever. Their passion for one other has always seemed indestructible. But after tragedy tears them apart, she’s not so sure. Now it’s time for them to move forward, with or without one another. 

Thrown together by fate and geography, and bound by the strongest of friendships, these three women will discover what they’re really made of: laughter, tears, love and all.

Ope’s Opinion:  Susan Mallery hit another home run!  This book read so fast!  The story of all three women were relatable and fast moving.  It was great to see each woman’s story move forward in each chapter.  It made it seem more like real time.  

The intimate details of the romance  is my least favorite part, but at least each woman was with only one man.  They were real relationships with flaws and heart felt struggles.  As you read, you will want each woman to be happy at the end.  You can’t help but route for them.

I want more of the Blackberry Island books!  This may be my favorite Susan Mallery book to date.  So keep writing!

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

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An Interview with Leah Konen

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Leah-Konen-author-photo-90k[12]


Leah Konen is a writer living in San Francisco. She is a graduate of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she studied journalism and creative writing. Her work has been published in Elle Decor, Good Housekeeping’s Quick & Simple, Parenting, The Fiscal Times, and several regional newspapers and magazines. The After Girls is her first novel.

I am very excited to interview Leah and to read her book The After Girls!

1.  What do you like to read?  Does it influence your writing?
Though it doesn’t have much to do with the themes of THE AFTER GIRLS, I learned pretty much everything I know about writing from obsessively reading Jane Austen. I’d like to think that, even indirectly; her work has had a big influence on me.

2. Did you have an experience like the girls in The After Girls?  Which girl do you most identify with?
Not exactly. But about halfway through writing THE AFTER GIRLS, a friend of mine passed away at a young age from cancer. Friendship and grief became incredibly real to me, and it definitely affected how I wrote THE AFTER GIRLS.

As far as characters, all my friends and family tell me that I am Ella. I don’t quite know how to feel about this, because Sydney is definitely my favorite. She plays in a cool folk band, she dies her hair, she doesn’t care what anyone thinks about her—she’s so cool!

3. What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t writing?
I feel like I’m always writing! But when I’m not, I’d say my second-favorite thing is reading. Then biking around San Francisco, going on cool trips through California, playing with puppies. The usual.

4. Do you plan on doing a tour for this book? Which city would you be most excited to visit?
I did get a chance to go to New York to do some events there around Book Expo America. But if I were going to design my own book tour, I’d say the next city I’d love to visit would be Austin.

5. What are you working on now?
 I am so excited about the book I’m working on now–I can’t reveal too much, but it’s also set in the South, and it focuses much more on romance than on friendship.

6. I used to live in Durham, NC and spent time hanging out at UNC – do you miss it?
I can’t even express how much NC impacted me. Though I’ve lived in Manhattan and Brooklyn and now San Francisco, I still set my stories in the South. I definitely miss parts of it (sweet tea and barbecue, for one), and I made some amazing friendships during my time there.

9781440561085.indd

Visit Leah at:

TWITTER
@leahkonen

FACEBOOK
facebook.com/leahkonenauthor

GOODREADS
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16225093-the-after-girls

YOUTUBE TRAILER

AMAZON
http://www.amazon.com/The-After-Girls-Leah-Konen/dp/1440561087

INDIEBOUND
http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781440561085

BN.COM
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-after-girls-leah-konen/1113491548?ean=9781440561085

Superfudge

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Emma’s Shelf



Author:  Judy Blume
Publisher:  Puffin
Pages:  192
Genre:  Children
Source: Purchased

Goodreads:  Fans young and old will laugh out loud at the irrepressible wit of peter Hatcher, the hilarious antics of mischievous Fudge, and the unbreakable confidence of know-it-all sheila tubman in Judy blume’s five Fudge books. brand-new covers adorn these perennial favorites, and will entice a whole new generation of Fudge—and Judy blume—fans.

Ope’s Opinion: Oh, this was so much fun to read!  It took me back to my daughters younger days.  We used to read everything Judy Blume and they both loved Fudge.

As an adult, I did not mind reading this book over and over again to the girls.  It never got old and now I am looking forward to reading it to my granddaughter.  Some books you just never get tired of reading.

There is the whole Santa Claus issue in the book, so if you have a believer you may want to skip that part.

Loved it and would recommend any one of these books in the series to any child.

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