The View from Prince Street

prince street

Author: Mary Ellen Taylor
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Fiction, Mystery
Source: Kristin of Kritters Ramblings

Goodreads:  The author of The Union Street Bakery and At the Corner of King Street returns to Alexandria, Virginia, with a heartfelt tale of reconnection.

Rae McDonald was fifteen when a car accident took her sister’s life and threw her own into reckless turmoil. When she got pregnant a year later, she found a loving couple to adopt the child. Since then, she’s buried her grief and guilt under a heart of stone.

Lisa Smyth survived the fateful crash, but never told the truth about what happened. And when a family obligation draws her back to Alexandria, the weight of Lisa’s guilt grows heavier by the day.

As both women confront a past refusing to be forgotten, long-buried artifacts are discovered by the Shire Architectural Salvage Company that point to a shared history between families.  Now, Rae and Lisa must finally ask themselves if denying the past is worth sacrificing the future.

Ope’s Opinion:  If you like history infused with a story – this book is for you.  Living close to Alexandria made this story feel like I was walking the streets that are familiar to me.  

This story showed how the past really effects every part of Rae’s and Lisa’s lives.  Because of one accident a lot of other decisions were made that brought them to the present.  The way Mary Ellen Taylor weaves the past into the present story, it all came together.

I have read several of Taylor’s books and I am ready to read more.   

Rating:  4

Outside the Line

Author: Amy Hatvany
Publisher: Washington Square Press              outside
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Source: Kristin of Kritters Ramblings

 

 

 

Goodreads:  When Eden was ten years old she found her father, David, bleeding out on the bathroom floor. The suicide attempt led to her parents’ divorce, and David all but vanished from Eden’s life. Since childhood, she has heard from him only rarely, just enough to know he’s been living on the streets and struggling with mental illness. But lately, there has been no word at all.

Now in her thirties, Eden decides to go look for her father, so she can forgive him at last, and finally move forward. When her search uncovers other painful truths—not only the secrets her mother has kept from her, but also the agonizing question of whether David, after all these years, even wants to be found—Eden is forced to decide just how far she’ll go in the name of love.

Ope’s Opinion:  For me this was an emotional book to read.  I just wanted to give Eden the father she always dreamed of and thought her dad could be.  She just didn’t want to give up the idea that he could be all she wanted him to be.  

I liked how Amy Hatvany made her dad just accepted himself as he was.  He didn’t want anyone to save him or fix him.  That made it hard on the rest of the family, but it was a very different perspective of mental illness then I have ever read.

There are so many great Amy Hatvany books.  This was just hard for me to read.

Rating: 4

 

This Just In…

From Amazon, I ordered

the inn

Publication Date:  April 14, 2015
Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Goodreads:  Claire’s visit to a luxury hotel in Maine awakens repressed memories, threatening all she holds dear.

In 1989, Claire Dellamare disappeared from her own fourth birthday party at the Hotel Tourmaline on the island of Folly Shoals, Maine. She showed up a year later at the same hotel, with a note pinned to her dress but no explanation. Nobody knows where Claire spent that year—and until now, Claire didn’t even know she had ever been missing.

But when Claire returns to the Hotel Tourmaline for a business meeting with her CEO father, disturbing memories begin to surface . . . despite her parents’ best efforts to keep them forgotten.

Luke Rocco lost his mother under equally mysterious circumstances—at the same time Claire disappeared. After a chance encounter reveals the unlikely link between them, Claire and Luke set out together to uncover the truth about what happened that fateful year.

With flashbacks swimming just beneath her consciousness and a murderer threatening her safety, Claire’s very life depends on unscrambling her past . . . even if her family refuses to acknowledge it. Someone—maybe everyone—is hiding something from Claire Dellamare, and it will cost her everything to drag the truth out into the light.

This was recommended to me by Kristin of Kritters Ramblings.  It is the first in a series.  Kristin gave me the second one in the series and recommend I buy the first one.  So now I am ready to read them!

Also from Amazon I ordered these bookends.

leaf bookend

I wanted to change my shelves up a little.
Now that I am living at the lake this looked like it would fit in.
What do us as bookends?
Traditional bookends or something unique?

And Then She was Gone

Author: Rosalind Noonan
Publisher: Kensington               gone
Genre: Mystery
Source:  Purchased

 

 

Goodreads:  Eleven-year-old Lauren O’Neil vanished one sunny afternoon as she walked home from school. Six years later, her parents Rachel and Dan still tirelessly scour their Oregon hometown and beyond, always believing Lauren will be found. Then one day, the call comes. Lauren has been rescued from a secluded farm mere miles away, and her abductor has confessed. Yet her return is nothing like Rachel imagined. Though the revelations about what Lauren endured are shocking, most heartbreaking of all is to see the bright-eyed, assertive daughter she knew transformed into a wary, polite stranger. Lauren’s first instinct is to flee. For years she’s been told her parents forgot her; now she doubts the pieces of her life can ever fit together again. But Rachel refuses to lose her a second time. Little by little they must relearn what it means to be a family, trusting that their bond is strong enough to guide them back to each other.

Ope’s Opinion:  Well, Rosalind Noonan did it again.  She wrote a book on a subject  (kidnapping)  you are familiar with and took you on a different journey.  Instead of the story being about the kidnap, it was about after it happened.  I really enjoyed the different perspective.

It is hard to let you know all the reasons you should read this book without giving away too much.  Some parts were a little predictable, but still very enjoyable read.

I have read Noonan’s book before and I will read as long she keeps writing!

Rating: 

This Just In…

From Kristin of Kritters Ramblings

mermaid

Published: January 12, 2016
Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Goodreads: Mallory’s mother died fifteen years ago. But her father’s last words on the phone were unmistakable: “Find . . . mother.” Shame and confusion have kept Mallory Davis from her home for the last fifteen years, but when her dad mysteriously dies on his mail boat route, she doesn’t have any choice but to go back to Mermaid Point. Mallory believes her father was murdered and childhood sweetheart Kevin O’Connor, game warden in Downeast Maine, confirms her suspicions. But Kevin is wary of helping Mallory in her search. She broke his heart—and left—without a word, years ago. When Mallory begins receiving threats on her own life—and her beloved teenage daughter, Haylie—their search intensifies. There’s a tangled web within the supposed murder, and it involves much more than what meets the eye. As answers begin to fall into place, Mallory realizes her search is about more than finding her father’s killer—it is also about finding herself again . . . and possibly about healing what was broken so long ago with Kevin. She just has to stay alive long enough to put all the pieces together.

I am excited to read a new ( new to me ) Christian author!
Thanks Kristin for sharing your books.

From Emer at MIRA

9780778319054.indd

Expected Publication: May 17, 2016
Publisher: MIRA

Goodreads:  New York Times bestselling author of The Good Girl, Mary Kubica returns with an electrifying and addictive tale of deceit and obsession 

In downtown Chicago, a young woman named Esther Vaughan disappears from her apartment without a trace. A haunting letter addressed to My Dearest is found among her possessions, leaving her friend and roommate Quinn Collins to wonder where Esther is and whether or not she’s the person Quinn thought she knew.

Meanwhile, in a small Michigan harbor town an hour outside Chicago, a mysterious woman appears in the quiet coffee shop where eighteen-year-old Alex Gallo works as a dishwasher. He is immediately drawn to her charm and beauty, but what starts as an innocent crush quickly spirals into something far more dark and sinister than he ever expected.

As Quinn searches for answers about Esther, and Alex is drawn further under Pearl’s spell, master of suspense Mary Kubica takes readers on a taut and twisted thrill ride that builds to a stunning conclusion and shows that no matter how fast and far we run, the past always catches up with us in the end.

Thank you Emer for sending me this book!

From Katie at Little Bird Publicity

what we find

Expected Publication: April 5, 2016
Publisher: MIRA

Goodreads:  Join Robyn Carr, #1 New York Times bestselling author of theVirgin River and Thunder Point series, as she explores the healing powers of rural Colorado in a brand-new story of fresh starts, budding relationships and one woman’s journey to finding the happiness she’s long been missing

Between the urban bustle of Denver and the high-stress environment of a career in neurosurgery, Maggie Sullivan has hit a wall. When an emergency, high-risk procedure results in the death of a teenager, Maggie finds herself in the middle of a malpractice lawsuit—and experiencing levels of anxiety she’s never faced before. It’s in this desperate moment that Maggie’s boyfriend decides he can’t handle her emotional baggage, and she’s left alone, exhausted and unsure of what her future holds. One thing is certain, though: she needs to slow down before she burns out completely, and the best place she can think to do that is Sullivan’s Crossing.

Named for Maggie’s great-grandfather, the land and charming general store at the crossroads of the Colorado and the Continental Divide trails have been passed down through the generations and now belong to Maggie’s estranged father, Sully. Though raised by her mother and stepfather after her parents divorced, Maggie has always adored Sully—despite his hands-off approach to fatherhood. When she shows up unannounced in Sullivan’s Crossing, he welcomes her with opens arms, and she relishes the opportunity to rebuild their relationship.

But when Sully has a sudden heart attack, Maggie’s world is rocked once again. Consumed with his care, she’s relieved to find that Cal Jones, a quiet and serious-looking camper, has been taking over many of Sully’s responsibilities as he recuperates. Still, Maggie is suspicious of this mysterious man’s eagerness to help—until she finds out the true reason for his deliberate isolation.

Though Cal and Maggie each struggle with loss and loneliness, the time they spend together gives Maggie hope for something brighter just on the horizon…if only they can learn to find peace and healing—and perhaps love—with each other.

Thank you Katie!
Look for my review on April 12th.

Missing Pieces

missing

 

Author: Heather Gudenkauf
Publisher: MIRA
Genre: Mystery
Source:  MIRA

Goodreads:  A woman uncovers earth-shattering secrets about her husband’s family in this chilling page-turner from New York Times bestselling author Heather Gudenkauf

Sarah Quinlan’s husband, Jack, has been haunted for decades by the untimely death of his mother when he was just a teenager, her body found in the cellar of their family farm, the circumstances a mystery. The case rocked the small farm town of Penny Gate, Iowa, where Jack was raised, and for years Jack avoided returning home. But when his beloved aunt Julia is in an accident, hospitalized in a coma, Jack and Sarah are forced to confront the past that they have long evaded.

Upon arriving in Penny Gate, Sarah and Jack are welcomed by the family Jack left behind all those years ago—barely a trace of the wounds that had once devastated them all. But as facts about Julia’s accident begin to surface, Sarah realizes that nothing about the Quinlans is what it seems. Caught in a flurry of unanswered questions, Sarah dives deep into the puzzling rabbit hole of Jack’s past. But the farther in she climbs, the harder it is for her to get out. And soon she is faced with a deadly truth she may not be prepared for.

Ope’s Opinion:  This may not be fair, but if some one else had written this book, I would be writing how good it was, but I expected so much more from Heather Gudenkauf.  She writes amazing books and this one was just okay.  It does not deter me from reading her next book.

I just couldn’t get into Sarah and Jack’s relationship until towards the end of the book.  They seemed so distant for being married so long.

I am always a little suspicious of a non-professional trying to solve a mystery that the professionals have not solved.  It just didn’t come together for me.

I will read Heather Gucenkauf again and again.  She has so many great books!

Rating: 3

At the Corner of King Street

Author: Mary Ellen Taylor               corner of king
Publisher:  Berkley
Genre: Historical Fiction
Source: Won from Book Fan Mary
                 visit her blog!

 

 

Goodreads:  The author of The Union Street Bakery presents a new novel about a woman searching for a fresh start—while unable to forget the past…

Adele “Addie” Morgan grew up in a house filled with pain and loss. Determined to live life on her own terms, Addie moves to the country and finds a job at a vineyard where she discovers stability, happiness, and—best of all—love with the kind owner, Scott.

But an unexpected call abruptly pulls Addie out of her new and improved life. Her sister has just given birth and Addie’s Aunt Grace wants her to return home to help the family—even if it means confronting things she’s tried so hard to forget.

When Addie arrives, she quickly realizes that she hasn’t truly let go of her former life, at least not completely. After making a surprising connection with her sister’s baby—and her sister’s ex-husband, Zeb—Addie must choose between her picture-perfect future with Scott and the family roots she thought she’d left behind for good…

Ope’s Opinion:  This is the third in a series set in Old Town Alexandria, VA.  Since my daughter lives there the setting has a lot of meaning for me and makes me like the books more.

I like the family drama that Taylor writes so well.  The relationships feel real and the characters become like family.  The overall subject was a little on the sad side.  Mental illness effects the whole family and this story brought that to light.

There is one more in the series that is sitting on shelf and will be read really soon!

Rating:  4 – I like this book so much I know several friends to share it with.

Coming Soon….

…. On a Bookshelf near you!

In February I hope to read….

flirting

Publication Date: February 29, 2016
Publisher: Pocket Star/ Simon & Schuster

Goodreads:  Elise Jameson is the secret author behind the bestselling, cult hit Viking Moon series. But when a stranger poses as Elise, the painfully shy, deaf nineteen-year-old starts to see how much she’s missing. Can she really hide in the shadows forever? This clever, coming-of-age debut is for anyone who has ever felt unsure in their own skin.

After a freak childhood accident leaves her deaf and physically scarred, nineteen-year-old Elise Jameson retreats into a world of vibrant characters she creates on her laptop. She is shocked when her coping mechanism turns into a career as a phenomenal bestselling novelist. Fans are obsessed with Elise’s Viking Moon series and its author—a striking girl with zero resemblance to Elise who appears on the back covers. Elise sent the randomly Googled photo to her editor following a minor panic attack. Now, horrified to learn she is expected on set of the television pilot based on her novels, Elise tracks down her anonymous stand-in. To Elise’s surprise, Veronica Wilde has been taking credit for Viking Moon for years. She eagerly agrees to keep up the charade if Elise will pose as her assistant.

It’s hard for Elise to watch a stranger take credit for her work and get all the perks she desires, including admiration from the show’s heartthrob star. Edged onto the sidelines of her own life, Elise reconsiders her choice to stay anonymous. Is she ready to come to terms with her true identity—and with the long-buried secrets that could cost her her career, her fans, and the few precious friendships she’s made?

What is coming soon …. to a bookshelf near you?

Let me know – I am always looking for a good read!

What I Thought Was True

Author: Huntley Fitzpatrick                                   what i thought
Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers
Genre:  Contemporary Young Adult
Source: Purchased

 

 

Goodreads:  From the acclaimed author of My Life Next Door comes a swoony summertime romance full of expectation and regret, humor and hard questions.

Gwen Castle has never so badly wanted to say good-bye to her island home till now: the summer her Biggest Mistake Ever, Cassidy Somers, takes a job there as the local yard boy. He’s a rich kid from across the bridge in Stony Bay, and she hails from a family of fishermen and housecleaners who keep the island’s summer people happy. Gwen worries a life of cleaning houses will be her fate too, but just when it looks like she’ll never escape her past—or the island—Gwen’s dad gives her some shocking advice. Sparks fly and secret histories unspool as Gwen spends a gorgeous, restless summer struggling to resolve what she thought was true—about the place she lives, the people she loves, and even herself—with what really is.

A magnetic, push-you-pull-me romance with depth, this is for fans of Sarah Dessen, Jenny Han, and Deb Caletti.

Ope’s Opinion:  Oh, My!  Read this book!!!  This is my second book my Huntley Fitzpatrick and it was as good or better then the last one.  She knows how to bring her characters to life.  I get so absorbed in their lives, I feel like I am one of the friends along for the ride.

This story is so much more then two young people trying to figure each other out.  It deals with parenting, work ethic, friendships, loyalties, truth and so much more.

There are some twists and turns along the way and the ending took my breath away!  I am looking forward to her next one – which is sitting on my shelf right now.

Rating:  5 – I like this book so much it will be passed on and on and on….

Where Do Already Read Books Go?

 

When you are done reading a book, where does it go?
If you love it, do you keep it?
Which ones do you pass on to a friend?

I keep very few books.  I try to find someone who would love to read the books I am done with.  The ones I love the most I pass on and ask that person to please pass it on, so as many people as possible get to read a really good – in my opinion a really good book!!

Even books that I am not crazy about I try to find someone I know who might really enjoy it.

Please send me an email with the answer to Where your books go after you read them.