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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Coming Soon…

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…. On a Bookshelf near you!

I look forward to any book by Emily Giffin!

the one and only

Publication Date: May 20, 2014
Publisher: Ballantine Books

Goodreads: The New York Times bestselling author of Where We Belong, Something Borrowed, and Baby Proof makes her Ballantine debut with an extraordinary new novel about love, loss, and the ties that bind.

Shea has always lived in the orbit of her best friend Lucy Carr’s family. Lucy’s parents had been Walker University’s prettiest cheerleader and star quarterback, and Lucy’s dad went on to become the indomitable and beloved Coach Carr, one of the winning-est coaches in college football. Mrs. Carr was the elegant and kind all-around surrogate mother, fundraiser, and therapist for the team. Together they are like local royalty, so even if football weren’t a religion in their Texas town, it would still be the center of Lucy’s, and by extension, Shea’s life. It is practically a foregone conclusion that Shea will marry Lucy’s brother Lawton, if Shea can ever break it off for good with Miller, the cutest (and dumbest) guy in Texas. But when Mrs. Carr dies soon after a brief and terrible bout with cancer, it sets off a chain of events that upends Shea’s very existence. Written with intelligence, warmth, and wit, The One and Only is a luminous novel about the choices we make in life and love, for better or worse, from one of our most beloved writers.

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

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

In the Mirror

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mirror                                                       

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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BEA Bound!

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Train tickets are bought, Hotel is booked, BEA registration is done – now we count down until we get to leave for BEA!!!  My daughter Kristin of Kritters Ramblings and I are really looking forward to this year.  

We are doing the Bloggers conference!  I am excited to learn new ideas that will improve my blog.  The schedule offers different aspects of blogging that I hope will make change what you see when you come to my website.

Since I have been to BEA once, I know to wear comfortable shoes, look over the author signing schedule so I don’t miss someone I am anxious to meet, and be prepared to mail some boxes home.  Any other advice from veteran BEA goers – please pass it on!

Also, if you are going to BEA please let me know.  I would love to meet other book enthusiasts.  It would be fun to grab a drink, discuss books or chat while we wait to meet an author.

Hope to see you in a month!!

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.

3 chairs

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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