Tag Archives: book review

Crossing the Line

Posted on by
Reply

crossingAuthor:  Katie McGarry
Publisher:  Harlequin TEEN
Pages: 67
Genre:  Young Adult
Source: Purchased

Goodreads:  Katie McGarry captivated readers with her “riveting, emotional”* Young Adult debut, Pushing the Limits. In this gripping novella, she tells the story of Lila and Lincoln, who discover that sometimes it’s worth crossing the line for love…

Lila McCormick, Echo’s best friend from Pushing the Limits, first met Lincoln Turner when tragedy struck both their lives. But she never expected their surprise encounter would lead to two years of exchanging letters—or that she’d fall for the boy she’s only seen once. Their relationship is a secret, but Lila feels closer to Lincoln than anyone else. Until she finds out that he lied to her about the one thing she depended on him for the most.

Hurting Lila is the last thing Lincoln wanted. For two years, her letters have been the only thing getting him through the day. Admitting his feelings would cross a line he’s never dared breach before. But Lincoln will do whatever it takes to fix his mistakes, earn Lila’s forgiveness—and finally win a chance to be with the girl he loves.

Ope’s Opinion:  This book would have been five chairs, but I did not want it to end so soon!  It was very short and sweet, yet the characters were well developed.  Even though it was short, I felt like it was a complete story.

I was swept away in the story line.  I want an update.  I want to know where they are now!

This is my second Katie McGarry book and I intend to read more of her books!


Rating:  Four Chairs – I like this book so much I know several friends to share it with.
de9fc-4chairs

A December Bride

Posted on by
1

Author:  Denise Hunter            dec bride
Publisher: Zondervan
Pages: 94
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Source: Purchased

Goodreads: A year’s worth of novellas from twelve inspirational romance authors. Happily ever after guaranteed.
What started as a whim turned into an accidental—and very public—engagement. Can Layla and Seth keep up the facade in Chapel Springs this holiday season—for the sake of her career . . . and his heart?
Under normal circumstances, Seth Murphy—the best friend of Layla O’Reilly’s ex-fiance—would be the last person she’d marry. But the news of their upcoming (and phony) nuptials convinces a big client that Layla may be high-society enough to work for his agency—a coup that would put her fledgling home-staging business on the map.
Seth has secretly loved Layla for years, even when she was dating his best friend. Maybe she’ll never forgive him for the way he hurt her back then, but he has to try. And Layla is willing to keep up their engagement farce until she’s landed her client.
For Layla, it’s the chance to save her career. But for Seth, it’s his last chance to win her heart.

Ope’s Opinion:  This was a perfect book for this time of year!  It was short, but all the elements of a good book where there.  The characters were well developed, the story was wonderful and it just swept you away.

Although it was a predictable story line, there were enough turns along the way to keep me reading.  The characters all knew each other before the beginning of the story – that helped make it more believable.

I am now looking forward to the other books in the series A Year of Weddings.

Rating:  Four Chairs – I like this book so much I know several friends to share it with.
de9fc-4chairs

The Christmas Train

Posted on by
Reply

Author: David Baldacci
Publisher: Warner Books                       chr train
Pages:  288
Genre: Holiday / Mystery
Source: My Daughter 

Good reads:  Disillusioned journalist Tom Langdon must get from Washington D.C. to L.A in time for Christmas. Forced to travel by train, he begins a journey of rude awakenings, thrilling adventures and holiday magic. He has no idea that the locomotives pulling him across America will actually take him into the rugged terrain of his own heart, as he rediscovers people’s essential goodness and someone very special he believed he had lost.

The Christmas Train is filled with memorable characters who have packed their bags with as much wisdom as mischief … and shows how we do get second chances to fulfill our deepest hopes and dreams, especially during this season of miracles.

Ope’s Opinion:  This was a really cute story.  It was predictable, but had a lot of twists before it got to the predictable ending.  I enjoyed the whole idea of being on the train and meeting all the people who were riding together.

At this time of year, when life is hectic and some times stressful, this is a great, easy, enjoyable read.  It will take you away for a few hours and make you happy.  For those of us who are a little older, it will take us back to a time when we first fell in love.

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

Halfway to Nowhere

Posted on by
Reply

Author:  Steena Holmes                         halfway
Publisher:  unknown
Pages: 148
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Source: Steena Holmes Assistant 

 

 

Goodreads:  By USA Today Bestselling Author Steena Holmes and Elena Aitken comes their latest story sure to tug at the heartstrings of those who understand the depth of a mother’s love.

Nikki Landon walked away from her small town, Halfway, Montana, ten years ago, with no intentions of setting foot there again. But, when her mother dies unexpectedly, Nikki has no choice but to return, and this time with the child she was trying to hide—ten year old, Ryan.

Becky Jennings is living her happily-ever-after. She’s married to the man of her dreams and even though that means being the wife of a Christmas tree farmer, she’s happy. There’s only one thing missing from her fairy-tale life: a child to hold in her arms. After countless miscarriages, she’s struggling to accept that might be one dream that will never come true.

As teenagers, Nikki would have done anything to protect her best friend, Becky from heartache, which is why she left. But ten years later, there’s nowhere to hide in a small town where everyone can see the truth of the secret she can no longer keep.

Could Nikki’s son be the child Becky has always longed for? And if he is, can the already fragile bond between the two friends, withstand the heartache?

Ope’s Opinion:  If you have read anything by Steena Holmes and enjoyed it – you will really like this book.  If you haven’t read anything by her – look for one and read it.  She is a great author, who can really tell a story that will capture your attention.

This particular book of Holmes and Aitkens moved very fast.  It had a lot of secrets.  They were exposed quickly.  You will not want to put it down once you start it.

This is a great read!

Rating: Four Chairs – I like this book so much I know several friends to share it with.
de9fc-4chairs

In the Void of Lies

Posted on by
Reply

Author:  Kirby Freeman III
Publisher: Cave Publishing                                         lies
Pages:  83
Genre:  Political Intrigue
Source:  Author

 

 

 

Goodreads:  In The Void Of Lies is a tale of infidelity and redemption intermingled against the passage of the healthcare bill. The action starts with Justin Powell in Senator Fitzgerald’s office applying for a new job in order to spend more time with his wife, Tyra. At the same time Tyra is trying to uphold her half of their marriage by covering up a secret.

The drama unfolds as Justin stumbles across signs of Tyra’s affair with Daren. And at the height of their emotional war, Justin walks out on Tyra and potentially their marriage. Meanwhile, Senator Fitzgerald is begging Senator Danforth for money because he is being blackmailed over his illegitimate son.

The excitement comes to a boil as Senator Fitzgerald’s wife confronts his lies, while Justin and Tyra try to decide on the outcome of their marriage. And in a dramatic conclusion almost torn from the latest news headlines, Senator Fitzgerald stands at the Senate podium addressing the nation. And with that, the tale ends with the truth redeeming all that they were hiding.

Ope’s Opinion:  Even though this book was a short one, the characters were well developed and Kirby made you want to know what was going to happen to them.

The story line was familiar – politicians, rumors, affairs and bills to be passed. It would make a good movie.

Some of the language seemed unnecessary.  I was also surprised when educated, professional characters were using words like ain’t, brotha, and sista.  This did not seem realistic to me.

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

Flash and Dazzle

Posted on by
Reply

Author:  Lou Aronica                  flash
Publisher: The Story Plant
Pages: 288
Genre:  Fiction
Source:  Joan Schulhafer Publishing

 

 

Goodreads:  What happens when everything you thought was true changes all at once? What happens when each relationship that means anything to you suddenly becomes far more real than you ever thought it would be? What happens when every moment becomes invaluable as all of them pass far too quickly?

Flash and Dazzle is the story of two friends who have known the best of times who develop a true taste for life during the worst of times. It is the story of the friends and lovers who enter their orbit, some for a long time and some only for a moment. It is the story of legacies, burdens, and the kinds of secrets that are only revealed when there’s nothing left to tell.

It is a funny, moving, deeply honest novel that will inspire you to call everyone you care about and thank everyone you know for what they’ve given you.

Ope’s Opinion:  I struggled to get into this book.  About half way through I got hooked.  The ending was awesome! I liked that you sort of know the ending from the start.  I think I would have given it four chairs had it grabbed me from the beginning.

It was great to read about men’s friendships that are so different, yet so similar to female relationships.  The characters were well developed and I did care about them.

Overall, I did enjoy this book.

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

Here’s To Friends

Posted on by
Reply

Author:  Melody Carlson                  here's
Publisher:  David C. Cook
Pages:  320
Genre: Christian Fiction
Source:  Purchased

Goodreads:  In the final book in Melody Carlson’s popular series, the four Lindas learn that life doesn’t stop for the holidays and even a cruise can rock your boat.  
Here’s to Friends carries our favorite fifty-somethings through the holidays to a New Year cruise to a romantic hometown wedding with plenty of bumps in between. As they struggle to reinvent themselves at midlife—coping with marital woes, a creative crisis, a financial tsunami, a prodigal child and (scariest of all!) a home remodel—Abby, Janie, Caroline and Marley must all come to terms with the need to give their worries over to God. And they learn once more that in your fifties, friendships aren’t just fun. They’re an absolute necessity!

Ope’s Opinion:  This was the final book in the Four Linda’s series. It was nice to see all the friends move  on with their friendships and other relationships.  

I really liked how Melody Carlson let you know how each character ended up.  It was good to see some real changes.  I also liked that all was not rosey – it was realistic.  Each character had things to deal with and they weren’t all solved at the end, but you did feel like the book came to a good ending.

These friendships are very encouraging.  It is so nice to see supportive female relationships. I am going to miss these characters.

Thanks for the writing Melody Carlson!

Rating:  Four Chairs – I like this book so much I know several friends to share it with.
de9fc-4chairs

All For One

Posted on by
Reply

Author:  Melody Carlson                      all for one
Publisher: David C. Cook
Pages:  336
Genre:  Christian Fiction
Source: Purchased

Goodreads:  Brimming with heart, humor, and a bit of mystery, this third book in Melody Carlson’s lively new Boomer series packs a poignant punch! Life is heating up for the four Lindas—and it’s not just hot flashes! Abby’s losing sleep over her husband’s health and neglecting her bed-and-breakfast dreams. Caroline may have waited too long to put her Alzheimer’s-afflicted mom in a care facility. Marley’s hard-won independence is threatened by her grown son’s neediness. And Janie’s having a hard time being everyone’s rock as the relationship she counted on falters. Add to that a house fire, a missing set of dishes, a bully brother, plus a half-crazy blonde named Donna, and things get really complicated. But with each new twist their lives take, the Lindas are learning that good friends are the best family a girl can have.

Ope’s Opinion:  Melody Carlson continues to keep me reading in this third of four book series.  She keeps developing each character while bringing in new people with twists and turns.

With each book there is a different one of the Linda’s I seem to relate more closely to.  It is great to see women who gather around each other in all situations.  They stay honest with each other through the ups and downs.  

I am ready for the last one. I hope she finishes as strong as has been through the first three.

Rating:  Four Chairs – I like this book so much I know several friends to share it with.
de9fc-4chairs

Sweet Expectations

Posted on by
Reply

Author:  Mary Ellen Taylor                            sweet expectations
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Pages: 352
Genre:  Women’s Fiction
Source: Joan Schulhafer Publishing

 

 

Goodreads:  Daisy McCrae knows that change can be sudden—and devastating. And while it doesn’t have to be a bad thing, change has the power to turn your whole world upside down….

Running the family bakery and living in the store’s attic might not be Daisy’s dream life, but she’s beginning to understand what being content feels like. And then she gets some unexpected news. In one moment, Daisy’s calm existence turns into chaos. Now she’s struggling to keep it together, especially with renovations at the bakery spiraling out of control.

But when a box of recipes and mementos is found hidden behind a wall in the bakery, Daisy suddenly has something to cling to—a mystery that echoes her own troubles and gives her the opportunity to figure out what she really wants out of life…

Ope’s Opinion:  This sequel will not disappoint you!  It is very well written.  I stayed up very late finishing this book.  It was too hard to put down.  You do not have to read the first one in this series to enjoy this book, but it would make it better.

You will be able to relate to at least one of the sisters.  They each have their own story.  I didn’t want to do anything but read.  This book kept my attention from beginning to end.

I will read more of Mary Ellen Taylor.

 

 

Rating:  Four Chairs – I like this book so much I know several friends to share it with.
de9fc-4chairs

 

 

The Union Street Bakery

Posted on by
2

Author:  Mary Ellen Taylor                                bakery
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Pages: 352
Genre: Historical Fiction
Source: Joan Schulhafer Publishing

 

 

Goodreads:  Life can turn on a dime. It’s a common cliché, and I’d heard it often enough. People die or move away. Investments go south. Affairs end. Loved ones betray us…Stuff happens.

Daisy McCrae’s life is in tatters. She’s lost her job, broken up with her boyfriend, and has been reduced to living in the attic above her family’s store, the Union Street Bakery, while learning the business. Unfortunately, the bakery is in serious hardship. Making things worse is the constant feeling of not being a “real” McCrae since she was adopted as a child and has a less-than-perfect relationship with her two sisters.

Then a long-standing elderly customer passes away, and for some reason bequeaths Daisy a journal dating back to the 1850s, written by a slave girl named Susie. As she reads, Daisy learns more about her family—and her own heritage—than she ever dreamed. Haunted by dreams of the young Susie, who beckons Daisy to “find her,” she is compelled to look further into the past of the town and her family.

What she finds are the answers she has longed for her entire life, and a chance to begin again with the courage and desire she thought she lost for good.

Ope’s Opinions: This story is an amazing read!  I am not a historical reader in general, but I love this one! The history was woven in the contemporary story seamlessly.   I enjoyed the setting.  I go to Alexandria often, so I could see where they were in my mind.  

These sisters are so real! The whole family treats each other like I think most families do.  It isn’t always positive, but you can feel that they honestly love and care about each other.  I would want to be part of this family.

This story just kept me flipping the pages as fast as I could.

I could have lived without the foul language and the ghost.  Neither of those added any enjoyment to the story for me.

I am ready to read the sequel and I am glad there is one.

 

Rating: Four Chairs – I like this book so much I know several friends to share it with.
de9fc-4chairs