The Summer After You & Me

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Author: Jennifer Salvato Doktorski                   summer after you and me
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Genre:  Contemporary Young Adult
Source: Sourcebooks

 

Goodreads:  Sunbathing, surfing, eating funnel cake on the boardwalk—Lucy loves living on the Jersey Shore. For her, it’s not just the perfect summer escape, it is home. And as a local girl, she knows not to get attached to the tourists. They breeze in over Memorial Day weekend, crowding the shore and stealing moonlit kisses, only to pack up their beach umbrellas and empty promises on Labor Day. Lucy wants more from love than a fleeting romance, even if that means keeping her distance from her summertime neighbor and crush, Connor.

Then Superstorm Sandy tears apart her barrier island, briefly bringing together a local girl like herself and a vacationer like Connor. Except nothing is the same in the wake of the storm. And day after day, week after week, Lucy is left to pick up the pieces of her broken heart and broken home. Now with Memorial Day approaching and Connor returning, will it be a summer of fresh starts or second chances?

Ope’s Opinion:  I think Lucy’s relationships follow storm Sandy.  There is a big upheaval between the friends that takes time to repair.  Lucy’s family has to repair their house just as Lucy has to work on her relationships.

Watching Lucy choose between two guys, her brother and her friends is hard.  It is typical teens – not thinking what is best for Lucy, but what is best for themselves.

If I had a young adult reader, I would recommend this book.  It is something they could relate to, the language was acceptable and there were lessons that were learned.

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

Still Alice

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Author:  Lisa Genova
Publisher: Simon & Schuster           still alice
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Source: Purchased

 

 

Goodreads:  Alice Howland is proud of the life she worked so hard to build. At fifty years old, she’s a cognitive psychology professor at Harvard and a world-renowned expert in linguistics with a successful husband and three grown children. When she becomes increasingly disoriented and forgetful, a tragic diagnosis changes her life–and her relationship with her family and the world–forever.

At once beautiful and terrifying, Still Alice is a moving and vivid depiction of life with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease that is as compelling as A Beautiful Mind and as unforgettable as Judith Guest’s Ordinary People.

Ope’s Opinion:  I usually like to read a book before I see a movie.  In this case, I was on a  plane where the movie was being shown and thought – oh, well…  It actually turned out good to see the movie first.  I could see Alice’s small reactions in my mind while I was reading – I may not have caught some of that had I not watched the movie first. The book gave some more details the movie didn’t incorporate. 

It was scary to think how young Alice was when alzheimers started to effect her life.  Each member of her family reacted differently – very realistically too.

A big question is – if you could find out you had this or any other disease – would you want to find out ahead of time.  Science has come such a long way – we can now know more about our DNA.  Now you have to decide is it beneficial for you to know.

Overall, this was a hard but very good read.

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

Unlovely

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Author: Celeste Conway        unlovely
Publisher: Merit Press
Genre: YA Thriller
Source: BEA

 

Goodreads:  If he falls for a beautiful dancer, does he risk his heart? Or his life?

• Unlovely is narrated in dark mystery wrapped around a world teens love, that of dancers and dancing.

• Bewitching writing, an eerie story, and a here-and-now thriller, combine for a captivating read of love, loyalty, and dark revenge

• Celeste Conway’s book The Melting Season was featured by the New York Public Library as among 2006’s best teen reads. She also has written two middle-grade novels and teaches writing at Berkley College

“A perfect combination of romance and horror with (dare I say this?) some culture thrown in.” –Lois Duncan, author of Stranger with My Face and Locked in Time

Accidents happen. But they happen more often when the beautiful ballet dancers return each summer to the island. When he hears the ruthless way that the loveliest dancer talks about boys getting what they deserve when they break girls’ hearts, Harley, home for the summer after his first year of college, wonders if he’s losing his mind. He knows for sure that he’s losing his heart to this girl…But then, strange incidents start happening all over the island and Harley is caught between desire and fear: could he also be in danger of losing his life?

Ope’s Opinion:  When I started this book, my mind kept wandering.  As I continued to read there was a low level tension constantly in the background. It felt as if something was going to happen at any minute.  Eventually something did happen ( no spoilers ) – it was not what I expected. 

The ending was open, vague and not what I was hoping for.   If you like unsolved mysteries you may enjoy this one.

Rating:  2 – I may have one friend who might like to read this book.

Confess

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Author: Colleen Hoover             confess
Publisher: Atria Books
Genre: New Adult
Source:  BEA

 

Goodreads:  From #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover, a new novel about risking everything for love—and finding your heart somewhere between the truth and lies. 

Auburn Reed has her entire life mapped out. Her goals are in sight and there’s no room for mistakes. But when she walks into a Dallas art studio in search of a job, she doesn’t expect to find a deep attraction to the enigmatic artist who works there, Owen Gentry.

For once, Auburn takes a risk and puts her heart in control, only to discover Owen is keeping major secrets from coming out. The magnitude of his past threatens to destroy everything important to Auburn, and the only way to get her life back on track is to cut Owen out of it.

The last thing Owen wants is to lose Auburn, but he can’t seem to convince her that truth is sometimes as subjective as art. All he would have to do to save their relationship is confess. But in this case, the confession could be much more destructive than the actual sin…

Ope’s Opinion:  My attention was caught from the beginning of this book.  As I got further into it, I thought I knew where it was going – I was Wrong!!!!!!  Colleen Hoover wrote in a some amazing twist and turns that I did not see coming at all.  This story had me holding my breath at several different times.  I was rooting for Auburn all the way through it.

The ending was not what I expected – it was better!!  I can not wait to read Colleen Hoover again and again…

Side note – there was a lot of use of the “f” word, but if you can skip over that – it was worth the read.

Rating:  5 – This book is so good it will be passed on and on and on….

 

Maybe in Another Life

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Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid                       maybe in another life
Publisher: Washington Square Press
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Source: BookSparks

 

 

Goodreads:  From the acclaimed author of Forever, Interrupted and After I Do comes a breathtaking new novel about a young woman whose fate hinges on the choice she makes after bumping into an old flame; in alternating chapters, we see two possible scenarios unfold—with stunningly different results.

At the age of twenty-nine, Hannah Martin still has no idea what she wants to do with her life. She has lived in six different cities and held countless meaningless jobs since graduating college. On the heels of leaving yet another city, Hannah moves back to her hometown of Los Angeles and takes up residence in her best friend Gabby’s guestroom. Shortly after getting back to town, Hannah goes out to a bar one night with Gabby and meets up with her high school boyfriend, Ethan.

Just after midnight, Gabby asks Hannah if she’s ready to go. A moment later, Ethan offers to give her a ride later if she wants to stay. Hannah hesitates. What happens if she leaves with Gabby? What happens if she leaves with Ethan?

In concurrent storylines, Hannah lives out the effects of each decision. Quickly, these parallel universes develop into radically different stories with large-scale consequences for Hannah, as well as the people around her. As the two alternate realities run their course, Maybe in Another Liferaises questions about fate and true love: Is anything meant to be? How much in our life is determined by chance? And perhaps, most compellingly: Is there such a thing as a soul mate?

Hannah believes there is. And, in both worlds, she believes she’s found him.

Ope’s Opinion:  The synopsis intrigued me from the start and Taylor Jenkins Reid’s writing just kept me turning pages to the very end.  This is the road not taken kind of book.  

There are actually two stories going on at the same time in this book.  I was concerned it might be difficult to distinguish between the two – I was wrong – Reid’s writing had two distinct voices for each of Hannah’s choices.  It was very easy to follow.  It read very fast.

Hannah and Gabby are fortunate to have such an awesome friendship no matter where life took each of them.  Each of these characters is well developed, deep, with flaws that make them relatable.

I have read Reid’s other books and I will read her next one.  She knows how to pull me and keep me wanting to stop the world so I continue to read.

Rating: 5 – This book is so good it will be passed on and on and on…..

The Arrivals

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Author: Meg Mitchell Moore
Publisher: Reagan Arthur Books
Genre: Fiction                                                  arrive
Source: Kristin of Kritters Ramblings

 

 

 

Goodreads:  It’s early summer when Ginny and William’s peaceful life in Vermont comes to an abrupt halt.

First, their daughter Lillian arrives, with her two children in tow, to escape her crumbling marriage. Next, their son Stephen and his pregnant wife Jane show up for a weekend visit, which extends indefinitely when Jane ends up on bed rest. When their youngest daughter Rachel appears, fleeing her difficult life in New York, Ginny and William find themselves consumed again by the chaos of parenthood – only this time around, their children are facing adult problems.

By summer’s end, the family gains new ideas of loyalty and responsibility, exposing the challenges of surviving the modern family – and the old adage, once a parent, always a parent, has never rung so true.

Ope’s Opinion:  At first I thought the mother of the adult children was intrusive and overbearing.  She said what she thought without taking into consideration of how other people might be effected by her opinion.  As I read the book she grew on me.  I saw that she really did love her children and wanted what was best for them.  Late in the book her husband asked her why she took how the children were doing so personally – she said “Because they’re my life work.”  It made me realize how deeply she loved each one of them.  

The reason I was most effected by the mother in this book is because I have been in her position.  My husband and I had an empty nest.  Our children came home with their significant others.  It was a wonderfully hard time for all of us.  Once again, we are back to our empty nest. I love my adult children – they are now my friends.

I think no matter your place in your family, you could see yourself in one of the characters in this book.

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

Redemption Bay

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Author: RaeAnne Thayne                              redemption bay
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Source:  Little Bird Publicity

 

 

Goodreads:  New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne brings you back to Haven Point—a place made for second chances…

McKenzie Shaw would do anything for her beloved hometown of Haven Point. It may be small and struggling, but it’s never let her down…unlike gorgeous, infuriating Ben Kilpatrick. He was her childhood hero until he closed his family’s factory, leaving the town’s economy in shambles. Now he’s back—his tech firm is considering opening a local facility. For Haven Point’s sake, McKenzie has to grit her teeth and play nice.

What could a town filled with painful memories ever offer Ben? He left Haven Point behind years ago, for good reason. Yet seeing the town through the eyes of McKenzie—its fiery young mayor—he suddenly has his answer. If only he can resolve the animosity crackling between them, Ben may have found the place where he can build ties and find healing…a place where love arrives when it’s least expected.

Ope’s Opinion:  This is my first RaeAnne Thayne book and now there will be more!!  This was the perfect contemporary romance book for me.  It had a slow growing relationship, some twist and turns along the way, and a little family drama too.  The attraction between Ben and McKenzie was obvious, but the details were kept to a minimum – Ya!!!  My kind of story.

I really enjoyed the small town community where people have the kind of relationships where they really do know and care about each other.  I also liked how independent McKenzie is.

I am looking forward to the next part of this series.  It will be fun to see who will be the center of the story and catch up with all the other characters.

Rating:  5 – This book is so good it will be passed on and on and on….

Coming Soon….

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….  On a Bookshelf near you!

In July I hope to read…

the wonder

Publication Date:  July 2015
Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Goodreads:  Mortified after her semester abroad is cut short, Amelia Christiansen returns to Deep Haven, certain she isn’t brave enough for the adventures she’s dreamed of. The last thing she expects is for the man who broke her heart to cross the Atlantic and beg forgiveness.
Heir to a European hotel dynasty, Roark St. John has trekked from one exotic locale to another, haunted by tragedy and the expectations that accompany his last name. Amelia is the first woman to give him a reason to stop running. He’ll do anything for a second chance—even contend with Amelia’s old flame, who is intent on sending Roark packing.
While one surprise after another leaves Amelia reeling, Roark’s continued presence only highlights the questions pursuing her. Like him, is she running from the life God has called her to? Could finding her new place mean leaving home behind? 

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

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

A New Hope

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Author: Robyn Carr                           a new hope
Publisher:  Mira
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: Little Bird Publicity

 

 

Goodreads:  Starting over is never easy, but in Thunder Point, where newcomers are welcome and friends become family, it’s possible to find yourself again. In this brand-new story, #1New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr takes us on a moving and rewarding journey as a young woman finds new hope.

After losing her child, Ginger Dysart was lost in grief. But since moving to Thunder Point, a small town on the Oregon coast, and with the help of her cousin Ray Anne, Ginger is finally moving forward. Her job at the flower shop is peaceful and fulfilling, and she’s excited to start her first big assignment, assisting with the Lacoumette wedding.

In spite of her lasting heartache, Ginger finds herself swept up in the pleasure of the occasion. But the beauty of the Lacoumette farm and the joy of the gregarious family are ruined by an unfortunate encounter with the bride’s brother, Matt. Struggling with painful memories of his own recent divorce, Matt makes a drunken spectacle of himself and Ginger when he tries to make a pass at her, forcing Ginger to flee the scene in embarrassment.

But when Matt shows up at the flower shop determined to make amends, what started out as a humiliating first meeting blossoms into something much deeper than either of them expected. Discovering they have a lot in common, they form a solid friendship, though everyone around them worries that Ginger will end up with a broken heart yet again. But if Ginger has the courage to embrace the future, and if Matt can finally learn to let go of the past, there may still be hope for a happy ending.

Ope’s Opinion:  This is the eighth book in the Thunder Point Series.  It is my favorite one so far.  I loved the pace of the story.  There was a lot of subtle humor – I found my self giggling at times. 

The two main characters – Ginger and Matt started out their relationship in a funny way ( Don’t want to spoil it, so you’ll have to read ).  They started out as friends and their relationship slowly moved into more.  I loved that their physical relationship did not happen until they really knew each other. The explicit sexual scenes in this book were held to a minimum – which was also a positive for me.

Once again, we were able to see some of the characters from the previous books.  We saw their relationships develop and move along.  It is like visiting an old friend and catching up with them.

Now I am looking forward to the next visit to Thunder Point to see where Ginger and Matt are and who will be the center of the story.

Rating:  5 – This book is so good it will be passed on and on and on…..

Kiss Me

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Author: Susan Mallery
Publisher: HQN Books                kiss
Genre: Romance
Source: Emer Flounders

 

Publication Date:  June 30, 2015

 

Goodreads:  After Phoebe Kitzke’s kind heart gets her suspended from her job in LA, she swears off doing favors—until her best friend begs for help on the family ranch in Fool’s Gold. Unfortunately, sexy cowboy Zane Nicholson isn’t exactly thrilled by the city girl’s arrival.

Thanks to his brother’s latest scheme, Zane has been roped into taking tourists on a cattle drive. What Phoebe knows about ranching wouldn’t fill his hat, but her laughter is so captivating that even his animals fall for her. One slip of his legendary control leads to a passionate kiss, but she’s exactly the kind of woman a single-minded loner needs to avoid.

In his arms, Phoebe discovers she’s a country girl at heart. Yet no matter how much the small town feels like home, she can’t stay unless Zane loves her, too…but is this cowboy interested in forever?

Ope’s Opinion:  This is part of the Fool’s Gold series.  If you like the other books in this series, you will like this one.  It is similar to Susan Mallery’s other books in this series.  I liked it, but I prefer Susan Mallery’s Blackberry Island series and her Mischief Bay book.

Zane and Pheobe are the main characters.  It is fun to watch them find what they have in common and let each other into their lives.  There are a host of other characters in this book that keep the story moving in interesting ways.

The next book in the series is Thrill Me.

Rating:  3 – i like the book enough to suggest it to a friend or two.