Started: 2/16/20
Finished: 4/27/20
Year: 2020
Pages: 328
Genre: mystery
Grade: B-
Reason for reading: review for MyShelf.com
Blurb (from book jacket): "All Beth has to do is drive her son to his football game, watch him play, and then return home. Just because she knows her ex-best friend lives near the field doesn't mean she has to drive past her house and try to catch a glimpse of her.
"Why would Beth do that and risk dredging up painful memories? She hasn't seen Flora for twelve years. She doesn't want to see her today-or ever again. But she can't resist. She parks outside the open gates of Newnham House and watches from across the road as Flora arrives and calls to her children, Thomas and Emily, to get out of the car.
"Except...there's something terribly wrong. Flora looks the same, only older. Twelve years ago, Thomas and Emily were five and three. Today, they look precisely as they did then. They are no taller, no different from when Beth last saw them. They are Thomas and Emily without a doubt-Beth heard Flora call them by their names-but why haven't they grown? How is it possible that they are still the same two perfect little children Beth knew more than a decade ago?"
Opinion: Strange....just strange and the ending is more strange. A complete review will be posted on MyShelf.com in the upcoming months.
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Sunday, April 26, 2020
Daughter of Moloka'i by Alan Brennert
Started: 2/9/20
Finished: 4/25/20
Year: 2019
Pages: 308
Genre: Literature
Grade: B
Reason for reading: Goodreads.com giveaway
Blurb (from back cover): "Separated from her mother at birth, Ruth is adopted by Japanese immigrants and grows up on a strawberry farm in California. During World War II she and her family suffer through the injustice of internment. Only later is she reunited with Rachel, the mother she never knew. Brennert powerfully evokes a lesser-known homefront war story as well as offering a richly emotional tale of two women who never expected to meet, much less come to love one another."
Opinion: Not as good as the first one but still a powerful story. Anyone who enjoyed Moloka'i will enjoy this story and see how Ruth turned out.
Finished: 4/25/20
Year: 2019
Pages: 308
Genre: Literature
Grade: B
Reason for reading: Goodreads.com giveaway
Blurb (from back cover): "Separated from her mother at birth, Ruth is adopted by Japanese immigrants and grows up on a strawberry farm in California. During World War II she and her family suffer through the injustice of internment. Only later is she reunited with Rachel, the mother she never knew. Brennert powerfully evokes a lesser-known homefront war story as well as offering a richly emotional tale of two women who never expected to meet, much less come to love one another."
Opinion: Not as good as the first one but still a powerful story. Anyone who enjoyed Moloka'i will enjoy this story and see how Ruth turned out.
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
Not Dead Yet by Phil Collins
Started: 2/2/20
Finished: 4/20/20
Year: 2016
Pages: 368
Genre: Memoir/autobiographical
Grade: B+
Reason for reading: grabbed off TBR pile
Blurb (from back cover): "Phil Collins pulls no punches-about himself, his life, or the ecstasy and heartbreak that's inspired his music. In his celebrated memoir, Not Dead Yet, he tells the candid, witty, unvarnished story of the songs and shows, the hits and pans, his marriages and divorces, the ascents to the top of the charts and into the tabloid headlines.
"A drummer since almost before he could walk, Collins received on-the-job training in the seedy, thrilling bars and clubs of 1960s swinging London before finally landing the drum seat in Genesis. Soon he would step into the spotlight on vocals after the departure of Peter Gabriel and begin to stockpile the songs that would rocket him to international fame with the release of Face Value and 'In the Air Tonight.' Whether he's recalling jamming with Eric Clapton and Robert Plant, pulling together a big band fronted by Tony Bennett, or writing the music for Disney's animated smash hit Tarzan, Collins' storytelling chops never waver. And, of course, he answers the pressing question on everyone's mind: just what does 'Sussedio' mean?"
Opinion: I have been a huge Phil Collins fan-seeing him in concert solo several times and seeing him perform with Genesis. I had heard some of the tabloid stories about his personal life and rumors about his professional life. I'm glad that I finally read it from the horse's mouth about what happened with Genesis, his marriages and some of the inspiration of some of my favorite songs. Highly recommend if you enjoy Phil.
Finished: 4/20/20
Year: 2016
Pages: 368
Genre: Memoir/autobiographical
Grade: B+
Reason for reading: grabbed off TBR pile
Blurb (from back cover): "Phil Collins pulls no punches-about himself, his life, or the ecstasy and heartbreak that's inspired his music. In his celebrated memoir, Not Dead Yet, he tells the candid, witty, unvarnished story of the songs and shows, the hits and pans, his marriages and divorces, the ascents to the top of the charts and into the tabloid headlines.
"A drummer since almost before he could walk, Collins received on-the-job training in the seedy, thrilling bars and clubs of 1960s swinging London before finally landing the drum seat in Genesis. Soon he would step into the spotlight on vocals after the departure of Peter Gabriel and begin to stockpile the songs that would rocket him to international fame with the release of Face Value and 'In the Air Tonight.' Whether he's recalling jamming with Eric Clapton and Robert Plant, pulling together a big band fronted by Tony Bennett, or writing the music for Disney's animated smash hit Tarzan, Collins' storytelling chops never waver. And, of course, he answers the pressing question on everyone's mind: just what does 'Sussedio' mean?"
Opinion: I have been a huge Phil Collins fan-seeing him in concert solo several times and seeing him perform with Genesis. I had heard some of the tabloid stories about his personal life and rumors about his professional life. I'm glad that I finally read it from the horse's mouth about what happened with Genesis, his marriages and some of the inspiration of some of my favorite songs. Highly recommend if you enjoy Phil.
Saturday, April 18, 2020
Last Stop Auschwitz by Eddy de Wind
Started: 4/12/20
Finished: 4/17/20
Year: 2020
Pages: 227
Genre: History
Grade: B
Reason for reading: goodreads.com giveaway win
Blurb (from book jacket): "In 1943, the height of German occupation of the Netherlands, Eddy de Wind volunteered to work at Westerbork, a transit camp for Jews where his mother had been taken by Nazis, in the ultimately fruitless hope of saving her. while there, he fell in love with and married a young nurse named Friedel. But not long after, they were transported to Auschwitz and separated-Eddy to work as a medical assistant in one barrack, Friedel at the mercy of Nazi experimentation in a nearby block. Sneaking moments with his beloved and communicating whenever they could, Eddy longed for the day he could be free with her..."
Opinion: A sad but decent read. First English translation edition. An interesting inside look at the medical side of the concentration camp.
Finished: 4/17/20
Year: 2020
Pages: 227
Genre: History
Grade: B
Reason for reading: goodreads.com giveaway win
Blurb (from book jacket): "In 1943, the height of German occupation of the Netherlands, Eddy de Wind volunteered to work at Westerbork, a transit camp for Jews where his mother had been taken by Nazis, in the ultimately fruitless hope of saving her. while there, he fell in love with and married a young nurse named Friedel. But not long after, they were transported to Auschwitz and separated-Eddy to work as a medical assistant in one barrack, Friedel at the mercy of Nazi experimentation in a nearby block. Sneaking moments with his beloved and communicating whenever they could, Eddy longed for the day he could be free with her..."
Opinion: A sad but decent read. First English translation edition. An interesting inside look at the medical side of the concentration camp.
Sunday, April 12, 2020
Invisible Darkness by Stephen Williams
Started: 1/26/20
Finished: 4/11/20
Year: 1996
Pages: 532
Genre: True Crime
Grade: C
Reason for reading: booksfree.com book
Blurb (from back cover): "They were married in a picture-perfect wedding in Niagara-on-the-Lake and they rode off in a horse-drawn carriage. Karla Homolka and Paul Bernardo were the very image of love and success. But they had blood-including the blood of Karla's own younger sister-on their hands.
"This is the definitive inside account of a serial murder case unparalleled in history. It is a story of a man and a woman joining together in torture and mutilation crimes that are virtually unspeakable. It is a story of sexual depravities videotaped by Bernardo and Homolka themselves-tapes so shocking that a trial judge ordered them destroyed, although they are rumored to have surfaced in New York and Tokyo. It is a story of authorities taking six years and twenty-three victims to stop the killings-even after Paul Bernardo's sister and best friend had both tried to turn him in.
"Investigative journalist Stephen Williams takes you inside this shocking case-into the motivation of a couple wed in blood, into the details of their crimes and motivations, to perhaps the worst outrage of all: the sweetheart deal that allowed Karla Homolka to escape punishment for her deeds."
Opinion: This isn't a bad true crime novel if you can get past the gore and porn in the first half of the book. The trial aspects are interesting and makes one question the legal system of how one person can really get away with murder.
Finished: 4/11/20
Year: 1996
Pages: 532
Genre: True Crime
Grade: C
Reason for reading: booksfree.com book
Blurb (from back cover): "They were married in a picture-perfect wedding in Niagara-on-the-Lake and they rode off in a horse-drawn carriage. Karla Homolka and Paul Bernardo were the very image of love and success. But they had blood-including the blood of Karla's own younger sister-on their hands.
"This is the definitive inside account of a serial murder case unparalleled in history. It is a story of a man and a woman joining together in torture and mutilation crimes that are virtually unspeakable. It is a story of sexual depravities videotaped by Bernardo and Homolka themselves-tapes so shocking that a trial judge ordered them destroyed, although they are rumored to have surfaced in New York and Tokyo. It is a story of authorities taking six years and twenty-three victims to stop the killings-even after Paul Bernardo's sister and best friend had both tried to turn him in.
"Investigative journalist Stephen Williams takes you inside this shocking case-into the motivation of a couple wed in blood, into the details of their crimes and motivations, to perhaps the worst outrage of all: the sweetheart deal that allowed Karla Homolka to escape punishment for her deeds."
Opinion: This isn't a bad true crime novel if you can get past the gore and porn in the first half of the book. The trial aspects are interesting and makes one question the legal system of how one person can really get away with murder.
Sunday, April 05, 2020
Home for Erring and Outcast Girls by Julie Kibler
Started: 8/1/20
Finished: 4/4/20
Year: 2019
Pages: 383
Genre: Historical Fiction
Grade: B
Reason for reading: Goodreads.com giveaway
Blurb (from back cover): "In turn-of-the-century Texas, The Berachah Home for the Redemption and Protection of Erring Girls is an unprecedented beacon of hope for young women consigned to the dangerous poverty of the streets by birth, circumstance, or personal tragedy. Built in 1903 on the dusty outskirts of Arlington, a remote dot between Dallas and Fort Worth's red-light districts, the progressive home bucks public opinion by offering faith, training and rehabilitation to prostitutes, addicts, unwed mothers, and 'ruined' girls without forcibly separating mothers from children. When Lizzie Bates and Mattie McBride meet there-one sick and abused but desperately clinging to her young daughter, the other jilted by the beau who fathered her ailing son-they form a friendship that will see them through unbearable loss, heartbreak, difficult choices, and, ultimately, diverting paths.
"A century later, Cate Sutton, a reclusive university librarian, uncovers the hidden histories of the two troubled women as she stumbles upon the cemetery on the home's former grounds and begins to comb through its archives in her library. Pulled by an indescribable connection, what Cate discovers about their stories leads her to confront her own heartbreaking past, and to reclaim the life she thought she'd let go forever."
Opinion: A decent read about a real-life place with characters based on real people. Makes me want to visit the cemetery and grounds of the home. One feels for Lizzie and Mattie and what they faced in their lives.
Finished: 4/4/20
Year: 2019
Pages: 383
Genre: Historical Fiction
Grade: B
Reason for reading: Goodreads.com giveaway
Blurb (from back cover): "In turn-of-the-century Texas, The Berachah Home for the Redemption and Protection of Erring Girls is an unprecedented beacon of hope for young women consigned to the dangerous poverty of the streets by birth, circumstance, or personal tragedy. Built in 1903 on the dusty outskirts of Arlington, a remote dot between Dallas and Fort Worth's red-light districts, the progressive home bucks public opinion by offering faith, training and rehabilitation to prostitutes, addicts, unwed mothers, and 'ruined' girls without forcibly separating mothers from children. When Lizzie Bates and Mattie McBride meet there-one sick and abused but desperately clinging to her young daughter, the other jilted by the beau who fathered her ailing son-they form a friendship that will see them through unbearable loss, heartbreak, difficult choices, and, ultimately, diverting paths.
"A century later, Cate Sutton, a reclusive university librarian, uncovers the hidden histories of the two troubled women as she stumbles upon the cemetery on the home's former grounds and begins to comb through its archives in her library. Pulled by an indescribable connection, what Cate discovers about their stories leads her to confront her own heartbreaking past, and to reclaim the life she thought she'd let go forever."
Opinion: A decent read about a real-life place with characters based on real people. Makes me want to visit the cemetery and grounds of the home. One feels for Lizzie and Mattie and what they faced in their lives.
Wednesday, April 01, 2020
The Christmas Boutique by Jennifer Chiaverini
Started: 12/30/19
Finished: 3/31/20
Year: 2019
Pages: 289
Genre: Literature
Grade: C-
Reason for reading: Librarything.com winner/review
Blurb (from back cover): "Just weeks before Christmas, sever wintry weather damages the church hall hosting the Christmas Boutique-an annual sale of handcrafted gives and baked goods that supports the county food pantry. Determined to save the fundraiser, Sylvia Bergstrom Compson offers to hold the event at Elm Creek Manor, her ancestral family estate and summertime home to Elm Creek Quilt Camp.
"In the spirit of the season, Sylvia and the Elm Creek Quilters begin setting up market boots in the ballroom and decking the halls with beautiful handmade holiday quilts. Each of the quilters chooses a favorite quilt to display, a special creation evoking memories of holidays past and dreams of Christmases yet to come. Sarah, a first-time mother expecting twins, worries if she can handle raising two babies, especially with her husband so often away on business. Cheerful, white-haired Agnes reflects upon a beautiful applique quilt she made as a young bride and the mysterious, long-lost antique quilt that inspired it. Empty nesters and occasional rivals Gwen and Diane contemplate family heirlooms and unfinished projects as they look forward to having their children home again for the holidays.
"But whole the Elm Creek Quilters work tirelessly to make sure the Christmas Boutique happens, it may take a holiday miracle or two to make it the smashing success that they want it to be."
Opinion: This book didn't seem put together very well. This is the first book in the series that I've read so I do not know if all of the books follow the same format. I did not feel lost about the characters as there was a lot of background provided throughout the novel....almost too much. This is one of the few books that is solely based on characterization....plot is minimal.
Finished: 3/31/20
Year: 2019
Pages: 289
Genre: Literature
Grade: C-
Reason for reading: Librarything.com winner/review
Blurb (from back cover): "Just weeks before Christmas, sever wintry weather damages the church hall hosting the Christmas Boutique-an annual sale of handcrafted gives and baked goods that supports the county food pantry. Determined to save the fundraiser, Sylvia Bergstrom Compson offers to hold the event at Elm Creek Manor, her ancestral family estate and summertime home to Elm Creek Quilt Camp.
"In the spirit of the season, Sylvia and the Elm Creek Quilters begin setting up market boots in the ballroom and decking the halls with beautiful handmade holiday quilts. Each of the quilters chooses a favorite quilt to display, a special creation evoking memories of holidays past and dreams of Christmases yet to come. Sarah, a first-time mother expecting twins, worries if she can handle raising two babies, especially with her husband so often away on business. Cheerful, white-haired Agnes reflects upon a beautiful applique quilt she made as a young bride and the mysterious, long-lost antique quilt that inspired it. Empty nesters and occasional rivals Gwen and Diane contemplate family heirlooms and unfinished projects as they look forward to having their children home again for the holidays.
"But whole the Elm Creek Quilters work tirelessly to make sure the Christmas Boutique happens, it may take a holiday miracle or two to make it the smashing success that they want it to be."
Opinion: This book didn't seem put together very well. This is the first book in the series that I've read so I do not know if all of the books follow the same format. I did not feel lost about the characters as there was a lot of background provided throughout the novel....almost too much. This is one of the few books that is solely based on characterization....plot is minimal.
Sunday, March 29, 2020
Hearts of the Missing by Carol Potenza
Started: 3/22/20
Finished: 3/28/20
Year: 2018
Pages: 291
Genre: Mystery
Grade: B
Reason for reading: Goodreads.com giveaway win
Blurb (from book jacket): "When a young woman linked to a list of missing Fire-Sky tribal members commits suicide, Pueblo police sergeant Nicky Matthews is assigned to the case. Soon, Nicky uncovers a threat that strikes at the very heart of what it means to be a Fire-Sky Native: victims chosen and murdered because of their genetic makeup.
"But these deaths are not just about a life taken. In a vengeful twist, the killer ensures the spirits of those targeted will wander forever, lost to their family, their People, and their ancestors. When those closest to Nicky are put in jeopardy, she must be willing to sacrifice everything-her career, her life, even her soul-to save the people she is sworn to protect."
Opinion: I haven't read a lot of books where Native Americans are the main characters (not sure why, just haven't). Add on the possibility of a serial killer and this is a decent debut mystery novel. This novel won the Tony Hillerman Prize and I can see why.
Finished: 3/28/20
Year: 2018
Pages: 291
Genre: Mystery
Grade: B
Reason for reading: Goodreads.com giveaway win
Blurb (from book jacket): "When a young woman linked to a list of missing Fire-Sky tribal members commits suicide, Pueblo police sergeant Nicky Matthews is assigned to the case. Soon, Nicky uncovers a threat that strikes at the very heart of what it means to be a Fire-Sky Native: victims chosen and murdered because of their genetic makeup.
"But these deaths are not just about a life taken. In a vengeful twist, the killer ensures the spirits of those targeted will wander forever, lost to their family, their People, and their ancestors. When those closest to Nicky are put in jeopardy, she must be willing to sacrifice everything-her career, her life, even her soul-to save the people she is sworn to protect."
Opinion: I haven't read a lot of books where Native Americans are the main characters (not sure why, just haven't). Add on the possibility of a serial killer and this is a decent debut mystery novel. This novel won the Tony Hillerman Prize and I can see why.
Sunday, March 15, 2020
Three To Get Deadly by Janet Evanovich
Started: 3/8/20
Finished: 3/14/20
Year: 1997
Pages: 350
Genre: Mystery
Grade: B
Reason for reading: Booksfree.com
Blurb (from back cover): "A 'saintly' old candy store owner is on the lam-and bounty hunter extraordinaire Stephanie Plum is on the case. As the body count rises, Stephanie finds herself dealing with dead drug dealers and slippery fugitives on the chase of her life. And with the help of eccentric friends and family, Steph must see to it that this case doesn't end up being her last..."
Opinion: I'm continuing with the series. This one had laugh out loud scenes. The mystery plot was decent and enjoyable.
Finished: 3/14/20
Year: 1997
Pages: 350
Genre: Mystery
Grade: B
Reason for reading: Booksfree.com
Blurb (from back cover): "A 'saintly' old candy store owner is on the lam-and bounty hunter extraordinaire Stephanie Plum is on the case. As the body count rises, Stephanie finds herself dealing with dead drug dealers and slippery fugitives on the chase of her life. And with the help of eccentric friends and family, Steph must see to it that this case doesn't end up being her last..."
Opinion: I'm continuing with the series. This one had laugh out loud scenes. The mystery plot was decent and enjoyable.
Friday, March 06, 2020
On the Corner of Hope and Main by Beverly Jenkins
Started: 3/1/2020
Finished: 3/6/2020
Year: 2020
Pages: 285
Genre: Literature
Grade: C
Reason for reading: review for LibraryThing.com
Blurb (from back cover): "Trent July has been the mayor of this historic town for the past four years, but now he's ready to let someone else take up the mantle. Barrett Payne, a former Marine, decides he wants the job. But when a surprise candidate also enters the ring, the town has strong opinions on who would be the best choice.
"And that's not the only drama, as Malachi "Mal" July continues to make reparations for the damage he's caused and the people he's betrayed, especially his lady love, Bernandine. Is she finally ready to forgive him and let the past go?
"As the residents of Henry Adams have learned, life will throw obstacles their way-but it's how they come together and rise above these challenges that keeps the bonds of their close-knit community strong."
Opinion: This started off in a good pace, but scattered. Lots of subplots going on. The last 3rd seemed rush to try to close out all the subplots and leave enough for the next book in the series.
Finished: 3/6/2020
Year: 2020
Pages: 285
Genre: Literature
Grade: C
Reason for reading: review for LibraryThing.com
Blurb (from back cover): "Trent July has been the mayor of this historic town for the past four years, but now he's ready to let someone else take up the mantle. Barrett Payne, a former Marine, decides he wants the job. But when a surprise candidate also enters the ring, the town has strong opinions on who would be the best choice.
"And that's not the only drama, as Malachi "Mal" July continues to make reparations for the damage he's caused and the people he's betrayed, especially his lady love, Bernandine. Is she finally ready to forgive him and let the past go?
"As the residents of Henry Adams have learned, life will throw obstacles their way-but it's how they come together and rise above these challenges that keeps the bonds of their close-knit community strong."
Opinion: This started off in a good pace, but scattered. Lots of subplots going on. The last 3rd seemed rush to try to close out all the subplots and leave enough for the next book in the series.
Saturday, January 25, 2020
Christmas Sweets by Joanne Fluke, Laura Levine, Leslie Meier
Started: 11/9/19
Finished: 1/24/20
Year: 2019 (compilation)
Pages: 310
Genre: mystery
Grade: C
Reason for reading: Goodreads.com giveaway
Blurb (from back cover): "The Twelve Desserts of Christmas by Joanne Fluke: It's the perfect mix of naughty and nice when two lovestruck boarding school teachers watch six kids over Christmas break. but when someone wants the cozy couple's romance to burn out faster than a scorched fruitcake, it's Hannah Swensen to the rescue, armed with her sleuthing skills-and twelve deliciously festive recipes...
"Nightmare on Elf Street by Laura Levine: Aside from the mortifying costume, how bad can a gig as a mall Santa's elf be? Jaine Austen finds out when she's teamed up with the Santa from Hell. But things go from bad to worse when he's found murdered on the job-and Jaine is a suspect. Now all she wants for Christmas is to find the real killer...
"The Christmas Thief by Leslie Meier: Elizabeth Stone is ready for a white Christmas in Tinker's Cover, Maine-until a fancy Yule ball at the Florida hotel where she works dumps snow on her plans. The sponsor's jewels have gone missing and the police are asking about her ties to a cute mystery guest. Good thing Elizabeth's mother, Lucy Stone, flew down to surprise her. 'Tis the season for a little investigating...."
Opinion: Fluke's story was cute and not very mysterious. The reader is aware of what is going on the whole time. It's more about the Christmas season and the love between the teachers. Levine's story was amusing and mysterious-who really killed the Santa from Hell? Readers aren't aware until it is given away. I couldn't even finish Meier's story. The relationship between Elizabeth and the mystery guest was obnoxious, unrealistic and all I did was shake my head and stop reading.
Finished: 1/24/20
Year: 2019 (compilation)
Pages: 310
Genre: mystery
Grade: C
Reason for reading: Goodreads.com giveaway
Blurb (from back cover): "The Twelve Desserts of Christmas by Joanne Fluke: It's the perfect mix of naughty and nice when two lovestruck boarding school teachers watch six kids over Christmas break. but when someone wants the cozy couple's romance to burn out faster than a scorched fruitcake, it's Hannah Swensen to the rescue, armed with her sleuthing skills-and twelve deliciously festive recipes...
"Nightmare on Elf Street by Laura Levine: Aside from the mortifying costume, how bad can a gig as a mall Santa's elf be? Jaine Austen finds out when she's teamed up with the Santa from Hell. But things go from bad to worse when he's found murdered on the job-and Jaine is a suspect. Now all she wants for Christmas is to find the real killer...
"The Christmas Thief by Leslie Meier: Elizabeth Stone is ready for a white Christmas in Tinker's Cover, Maine-until a fancy Yule ball at the Florida hotel where she works dumps snow on her plans. The sponsor's jewels have gone missing and the police are asking about her ties to a cute mystery guest. Good thing Elizabeth's mother, Lucy Stone, flew down to surprise her. 'Tis the season for a little investigating...."
Opinion: Fluke's story was cute and not very mysterious. The reader is aware of what is going on the whole time. It's more about the Christmas season and the love between the teachers. Levine's story was amusing and mysterious-who really killed the Santa from Hell? Readers aren't aware until it is given away. I couldn't even finish Meier's story. The relationship between Elizabeth and the mystery guest was obnoxious, unrealistic and all I did was shake my head and stop reading.
Saturday, January 18, 2020
Lock Every Door by Riley Sager
Started: 7/23/19
Finished: 1/17/20
Year: 2019
Pages: 368
Genre: Mystery
Grade: C
Reason for reading: Goodreads.com giveaway
Blurb (from book jacket): "These are the only rules for Jules Larsen's new job as an apartment sitter at the Bartholomew, one of Manhattan's most glamorous and secretive buildings. Recently heartbroken and just plan broke, Jules is captivated by the splendor of her surrounding and accepts the terms, ready to leave her past life behind.
"As she gets to know the residents and staff of the Bartholomew, Jules finds herself drawn to fellow apartment sitter Ingrid, who comfortingly reminds her of her sister who vanished eight years ago. When Ingrid confides that the Bartholomew is not what it seems and that the dark history hidden beneath its flaming facade is starting to frighten her, Jules brushes it off as a harmless ghost story...until the next day, when Ingrid disappears.
"Searching for the truth about Ingrid's disappearance, Jules digs deeper into the Bartholomew's sordid past and the mysteries kept within its walls. What she discovers pits Jules against the clock as she races to unmask a killer, expose the building's hidden secrets and escape a dream apartment that has quickly turned into a nightmare."
Opinion: An interesting premise-apartment sitter in one of Manhattan's magnificent apartment buildings. The rules are slightly strange but nothing that can't be followed. But then it just takes a very odd turn. A turn that I felt was ridiculous and turned the book into what could have been a B or an A book into a C.
Finished: 1/17/20
Year: 2019
Pages: 368
Genre: Mystery
Grade: C
Reason for reading: Goodreads.com giveaway
Blurb (from book jacket): "These are the only rules for Jules Larsen's new job as an apartment sitter at the Bartholomew, one of Manhattan's most glamorous and secretive buildings. Recently heartbroken and just plan broke, Jules is captivated by the splendor of her surrounding and accepts the terms, ready to leave her past life behind.
"As she gets to know the residents and staff of the Bartholomew, Jules finds herself drawn to fellow apartment sitter Ingrid, who comfortingly reminds her of her sister who vanished eight years ago. When Ingrid confides that the Bartholomew is not what it seems and that the dark history hidden beneath its flaming facade is starting to frighten her, Jules brushes it off as a harmless ghost story...until the next day, when Ingrid disappears.
"Searching for the truth about Ingrid's disappearance, Jules digs deeper into the Bartholomew's sordid past and the mysteries kept within its walls. What she discovers pits Jules against the clock as she races to unmask a killer, expose the building's hidden secrets and escape a dream apartment that has quickly turned into a nightmare."
Opinion: An interesting premise-apartment sitter in one of Manhattan's magnificent apartment buildings. The rules are slightly strange but nothing that can't be followed. But then it just takes a very odd turn. A turn that I felt was ridiculous and turned the book into what could have been a B or an A book into a C.
Layover by David Bell
Started: 7/26/19
Finished: 1/14/20
Year: 2019
Pages: 399
Genre: Mystery
Grade: C
Reason for reading: Goodreads.com giveaway book
Blurb (from back cover): "Joshua Fields takes the same flights every week for work, his life a series of departures and arrivals, hotels and airports. During yet another layover, he meets Morgan, a beautiful stranger with whom he feels an immediate connection. When it's time for their respective flights, Morgan kisses Joshua passionately, lamenting that they'll never see each other again.
"As soon as Morgan disappears in the crowd, Joshua is shocked to see her face on a nearby TV. The reason: Morgan is a missing person.
"What follows is a whirlwind, fast-paced journey filled with lies, deceit, and secrets as Joshua tries to discover why Morgan has vanished from her own life. Every time he thinks one mystery is solved, another rears its head-and his worst enemy might be his assumptions about those around him."
Opinion: This plot went to far out there and wasn't enjoyable. Sure....people in airports wonder about what others are doing, where they're going, etc but for it to go this far....ugh
Finished: 1/14/20
Year: 2019
Pages: 399
Genre: Mystery
Grade: C
Reason for reading: Goodreads.com giveaway book
Blurb (from back cover): "Joshua Fields takes the same flights every week for work, his life a series of departures and arrivals, hotels and airports. During yet another layover, he meets Morgan, a beautiful stranger with whom he feels an immediate connection. When it's time for their respective flights, Morgan kisses Joshua passionately, lamenting that they'll never see each other again.
"As soon as Morgan disappears in the crowd, Joshua is shocked to see her face on a nearby TV. The reason: Morgan is a missing person.
"What follows is a whirlwind, fast-paced journey filled with lies, deceit, and secrets as Joshua tries to discover why Morgan has vanished from her own life. Every time he thinks one mystery is solved, another rears its head-and his worst enemy might be his assumptions about those around him."
Opinion: This plot went to far out there and wasn't enjoyable. Sure....people in airports wonder about what others are doing, where they're going, etc but for it to go this far....ugh
Tuesday, January 07, 2020
Two for the Dough by Janet Evanovich
Started: 10/20/19
Finished: 1/7/20
Year: 1996
Pages: 325
Genre: Mystery
Grade: B+
Reason for reading: reread, booksfree.com
Blurb (from back cover): "Bounty hunter Stephanie Plum is still learning the ropes at her cousin Vinnie's bail bond office, so when she sets out on the trail of Kenny Mancuso-a suspiciously wealthy, working class Trenton boy who has just shot his best friend-the stakes are higher than ever. that Mancuso is distantly related to vice cop Joe Morelli-who is trying to beat Stephanie to the punch-only makes the hunt more thrilling...
"Taking points from her bounty hunter pal, Ranger, and using her pistol-packing Grandma Mazur as a decoy, Stephanie is soon closing in on her mark, But Morelli and his libido are worthy foes. And a more sinister kind enemy has made his first move...and his next move might be Stephanie's last."
Opinion: I have always enjoyed these and luckily it has been long enough between reads that I don't quite remember the full story. I'm rereading them to catch up on the series.
Finished: 1/7/20
Year: 1996
Pages: 325
Genre: Mystery
Grade: B+
Reason for reading: reread, booksfree.com
Blurb (from back cover): "Bounty hunter Stephanie Plum is still learning the ropes at her cousin Vinnie's bail bond office, so when she sets out on the trail of Kenny Mancuso-a suspiciously wealthy, working class Trenton boy who has just shot his best friend-the stakes are higher than ever. that Mancuso is distantly related to vice cop Joe Morelli-who is trying to beat Stephanie to the punch-only makes the hunt more thrilling...
"Taking points from her bounty hunter pal, Ranger, and using her pistol-packing Grandma Mazur as a decoy, Stephanie is soon closing in on her mark, But Morelli and his libido are worthy foes. And a more sinister kind enemy has made his first move...and his next move might be Stephanie's last."
Opinion: I have always enjoyed these and luckily it has been long enough between reads that I don't quite remember the full story. I'm rereading them to catch up on the series.
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Where Serpents Lie by T. Jefferson Parker
Started: 5/13/19
Finished: 12/29/19
Year: 1998
Pages: 557
Genre: suspense
Grade: B
Reason for reading: TBR pile
Blurb (from back cover): "Terry Naughton has come up against his share of heinous criminals in his years on the force-but nothing has prepared him for the Horridus, the brilliant madman who is terrorizing the children of Orange County.
"As he races to stop the Horridus before his crimes escalate, Naughton learns the that the Horridus many not be the only enemy. When shocking accusations put his career on the line, he is forced to confront his own dark and violent past in his search for the truth. Who is behind the setup? And even if he can clear his name, can he do the same for his conscience?
Opinion: Even though it took me several months to read this, it was an enjoyable suspenseful book with 2 plot lines that are intertwined. I've always enjoyed T. Jefferson Parker's books and this one does not disappoint.
Finished: 12/29/19
Year: 1998
Pages: 557
Genre: suspense
Grade: B
Reason for reading: TBR pile
Blurb (from back cover): "Terry Naughton has come up against his share of heinous criminals in his years on the force-but nothing has prepared him for the Horridus, the brilliant madman who is terrorizing the children of Orange County.
"As he races to stop the Horridus before his crimes escalate, Naughton learns the that the Horridus many not be the only enemy. When shocking accusations put his career on the line, he is forced to confront his own dark and violent past in his search for the truth. Who is behind the setup? And even if he can clear his name, can he do the same for his conscience?
Opinion: Even though it took me several months to read this, it was an enjoyable suspenseful book with 2 plot lines that are intertwined. I've always enjoyed T. Jefferson Parker's books and this one does not disappoint.
Clobbered to Death by Rosemarie Ross
Started: 11/30/19
Finished: 12/29/19
Year: 2019
Genre: mystery
Grade: B
Pages: 312
Reason for reading: Goodreads.com giveaway book
Blurb (from back cover): "Courtney Archer is known for hosting the show Cooking with the Farmer's Daughter...despite the fact that she's actually a pediatrician's daughter. Now she's signed on for a role on The American Baking Battle. On this reality show, she can start developing a more authentic image for herself-and as a bonus, the usual backstabbing and manufactured drama isn't part of the Baking Battle script. But genuine drama is heating up behind the scenes...
"During a film shoot in the scenic Pocono Mountains, Courtney has to juggle career commitments like pots on a six-burner stove. Adding to the stress is Mick, a contestant who finds out about her fake farm-girl story. Determined to succeed at her new gig, she whips up a cherry cobbler in a cast-iron fry pan one evening and leaves it out to cool, But the next morning, it's Mick's body that's cooling-right next to Courtney's pan, now classified as a murder weapon."
Opinion: If you're a fan of the The Great American or British Baking Show then you will probably get a kick of this murderous take on them. Definitely a lot of suspects with different motives to want Mick dead. For the first in a new cozy mysteries series, I'm looking forward to future ones.
Finished: 12/29/19
Year: 2019
Genre: mystery
Grade: B
Pages: 312
Reason for reading: Goodreads.com giveaway book
Blurb (from back cover): "Courtney Archer is known for hosting the show Cooking with the Farmer's Daughter...despite the fact that she's actually a pediatrician's daughter. Now she's signed on for a role on The American Baking Battle. On this reality show, she can start developing a more authentic image for herself-and as a bonus, the usual backstabbing and manufactured drama isn't part of the Baking Battle script. But genuine drama is heating up behind the scenes...
"During a film shoot in the scenic Pocono Mountains, Courtney has to juggle career commitments like pots on a six-burner stove. Adding to the stress is Mick, a contestant who finds out about her fake farm-girl story. Determined to succeed at her new gig, she whips up a cherry cobbler in a cast-iron fry pan one evening and leaves it out to cool, But the next morning, it's Mick's body that's cooling-right next to Courtney's pan, now classified as a murder weapon."
Opinion: If you're a fan of the The Great American or British Baking Show then you will probably get a kick of this murderous take on them. Definitely a lot of suspects with different motives to want Mick dead. For the first in a new cozy mysteries series, I'm looking forward to future ones.
Monday, December 09, 2019
Bully: A True Story of High School Revenge by Jim Schutze
Started: 10/5/19
Finished: 12/8/19
Year: 1997
Pages: 304
Genre: True Crime
Grade: B-
Reason for reading: booksfree.com book
Blurb (from back cover): "Bobby Kent was a bully-a steroid-pumped 20-year-old who dominated his peers in their comfortable, middle-class Ft. Lauderdale beach community through psychological, physical and sexual abuse. But on a summer night in 1993, Bobby was lured to the edge of the Florida everglades with a promise of sex and drugs...and was never seen alive again. The tormentor had become the victim in a bizarre and brutal act of vengeance carried out with ruthless efficiency and cold-blooded premeditation by seven of his high school acquaintances-including his lifelong best friend-and instigated by one overweight, underloved teenager who believed her life would be perfect...if only Bobby Kent were dead."
Opinion: This was one of the strangest murder stories that I've read. Hard to believe that with as many people that were told that a small group of people wanted Bobby Kent dead that this even happened. I'm not at all surprised about how quickly the suspects were arrested. Bullying is definitely frowned up and in a way he did deserve what happened due to the severity of the bullying but murdering him and thinking that they could get away with it is ridiculous.
Finished: 12/8/19
Year: 1997
Pages: 304
Genre: True Crime
Grade: B-
Reason for reading: booksfree.com book
Blurb (from back cover): "Bobby Kent was a bully-a steroid-pumped 20-year-old who dominated his peers in their comfortable, middle-class Ft. Lauderdale beach community through psychological, physical and sexual abuse. But on a summer night in 1993, Bobby was lured to the edge of the Florida everglades with a promise of sex and drugs...and was never seen alive again. The tormentor had become the victim in a bizarre and brutal act of vengeance carried out with ruthless efficiency and cold-blooded premeditation by seven of his high school acquaintances-including his lifelong best friend-and instigated by one overweight, underloved teenager who believed her life would be perfect...if only Bobby Kent were dead."
Opinion: This was one of the strangest murder stories that I've read. Hard to believe that with as many people that were told that a small group of people wanted Bobby Kent dead that this even happened. I'm not at all surprised about how quickly the suspects were arrested. Bullying is definitely frowned up and in a way he did deserve what happened due to the severity of the bullying but murdering him and thinking that they could get away with it is ridiculous.
Saturday, December 07, 2019
The Book Charmer by Karen Hawkins
Started: 8/3/19
Finished: 11/28/19
Year: 2019
Pages: 344
Genre: Literature
Grade: B
Reason for reading: Goodreads book giveaway
Blurb (from back cover): "Sarah Dove is no ordinary bookworm. To her, books have always been more than just objects: they live, they breathe, and sometimes they even speak. When Sarah grows up to become the librarian in her quaint southern town of Dove Pond, North Carolina, her gift helps place every book in the hands of the perfect reader. Recently, however, the books have been whispering about something out of the ordinary: the arrival of a displaced city girl name Grace Wheeler.
"If the books are right, Grace could be the savior that Dove Pond desperately needs. The problem is, Grace wants little to do with the town or its quirky residents-Sarah chief among them. It takes a bit of urging, and the help of an especially wise book, but Grace ultimately embraces the challenge to rescue her charmed new community. In her quest, she discovers the tantalizing promise of new love, the deep strength that comes from having a true friend, and the power of finding just the right book."
Opinion: This was a sweet book about a small Southern town and its newest resident. Friendship and family are the focus and addressed in a charming way. Will be checking out more Dove Pond books.
Finished: 11/28/19
Year: 2019
Pages: 344
Genre: Literature
Grade: B
Reason for reading: Goodreads book giveaway
Blurb (from back cover): "Sarah Dove is no ordinary bookworm. To her, books have always been more than just objects: they live, they breathe, and sometimes they even speak. When Sarah grows up to become the librarian in her quaint southern town of Dove Pond, North Carolina, her gift helps place every book in the hands of the perfect reader. Recently, however, the books have been whispering about something out of the ordinary: the arrival of a displaced city girl name Grace Wheeler.
"If the books are right, Grace could be the savior that Dove Pond desperately needs. The problem is, Grace wants little to do with the town or its quirky residents-Sarah chief among them. It takes a bit of urging, and the help of an especially wise book, but Grace ultimately embraces the challenge to rescue her charmed new community. In her quest, she discovers the tantalizing promise of new love, the deep strength that comes from having a true friend, and the power of finding just the right book."
Opinion: This was a sweet book about a small Southern town and its newest resident. Friendship and family are the focus and addressed in a charming way. Will be checking out more Dove Pond books.
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
Our Dogs, Ourselves by Alexandra Horowitz
Started: 9/22/19
Finished: did not finish
Year: 2019
Pages: 266
Genre: animal
Grade: F
Reason for reading: won from GoodReads.com
Blurb (from back cover): "We keep dogs and are kept by them. We love dogs and (we assume) are loved by them. We buy them sweaters, toys, shoes; we are concerned with their social lives, their food, and their health. The story of humans and dogs is thousands of years old but is far from understood. In Our Dogs, Ourselves, Alexandra Horowitz explores all aspects of this unique and complete interspecies pairing.
"As Horowitz considers the current culture of dogdom, she reveals the odd, surprising, and contradictory ways we live with dogs. We celebrate their individuality but breed them for sameness Despite our deep emotional relationships with dogs, legally they are property to be bought, sold, abandoned, or euthanized as we wish. Even the way we speak to our dogs is at once perplexing and delightful.
"In thirteen thoughtful and charming chapters, Our Dogs, Ourselves affirms our profound affection for this most charismatic of animals-and opens our eyes to the companions at our sides as never before."
Opinion: This just wasn't what I was wanting/expecting this to be. Definitely no fault of the author and I'm sure that several fellow dog lovers/owners would get something out of this book.
Finished: did not finish
Year: 2019
Pages: 266
Genre: animal
Grade: F
Reason for reading: won from GoodReads.com
Blurb (from back cover): "We keep dogs and are kept by them. We love dogs and (we assume) are loved by them. We buy them sweaters, toys, shoes; we are concerned with their social lives, their food, and their health. The story of humans and dogs is thousands of years old but is far from understood. In Our Dogs, Ourselves, Alexandra Horowitz explores all aspects of this unique and complete interspecies pairing.
"As Horowitz considers the current culture of dogdom, she reveals the odd, surprising, and contradictory ways we live with dogs. We celebrate their individuality but breed them for sameness Despite our deep emotional relationships with dogs, legally they are property to be bought, sold, abandoned, or euthanized as we wish. Even the way we speak to our dogs is at once perplexing and delightful.
"In thirteen thoughtful and charming chapters, Our Dogs, Ourselves affirms our profound affection for this most charismatic of animals-and opens our eyes to the companions at our sides as never before."
Opinion: This just wasn't what I was wanting/expecting this to be. Definitely no fault of the author and I'm sure that several fellow dog lovers/owners would get something out of this book.
Sunday, October 20, 2019
My Life on the Line by Ryan O'Callaghan and Cyd Zeigler
Started: 8/7/19
Finished: 10/19/19
Year: 2019
Pages: 233
Genre: Sports/Memoir/LGBTQ
Grade: B
Reason for reading: review for MyShelf.com
Blurb (from back cover): Ryan O'Callaghan's plan was always to play football and then, when his career was over, kill himself. Growing in a red-state corner of California, the not-so-subtle messages he heard as a young man from his family and from TV and film routinely equated being gay with disease and death. Letting people in on the darkest secret he kept buried inside was not an option: better death with a secret than life as a gay man. As a young man, Ryan never envisioned just how far his football career would take him. He was recruited by the University of California, Berkeley, where he spent five seasons, playing alongside his friend Aaron Rodgers. Then it was on to the NFL for stings with the almost-undefeated New England Patriots and the often-defeated Kansas City Chiefs.
"Bubbling under the surface of Ryan's entire NFL career was a collision course between his secret sexuality and his hidden drug use. When the NFL caught him smoking pot, he turned to NFL-sanctioned prescription pain kills that quickly sent his life into a tailspin. As injuries mounted and his daily intake of opioids reached a near-lethal level, he wrote his suicide note to his parents and plotted his death. Yet someone had been watching. A member of the Chiefs organization stepped in, recognizing the signs of drug addiction. Ryan reluctantly sought psychological help. and it was there that he revealed his lifelong secret for the very first time: he's gay. Now in his late twenties, Ryan faced a fork in the road of his life: end it, or find out if his family and football friends could ever accept a gay man in their lives."
Opinion: As I was reading this, I just felt bad for Ryan who believed that people were not going to support him just because of his sexuality. I'm just glad that he got to realize that people will support him no matter what. A more complete review will be posted on MyShelf.com in the upcoming months.
Finished: 10/19/19
Year: 2019
Pages: 233
Genre: Sports/Memoir/LGBTQ
Grade: B
Reason for reading: review for MyShelf.com
Blurb (from back cover): Ryan O'Callaghan's plan was always to play football and then, when his career was over, kill himself. Growing in a red-state corner of California, the not-so-subtle messages he heard as a young man from his family and from TV and film routinely equated being gay with disease and death. Letting people in on the darkest secret he kept buried inside was not an option: better death with a secret than life as a gay man. As a young man, Ryan never envisioned just how far his football career would take him. He was recruited by the University of California, Berkeley, where he spent five seasons, playing alongside his friend Aaron Rodgers. Then it was on to the NFL for stings with the almost-undefeated New England Patriots and the often-defeated Kansas City Chiefs.
"Bubbling under the surface of Ryan's entire NFL career was a collision course between his secret sexuality and his hidden drug use. When the NFL caught him smoking pot, he turned to NFL-sanctioned prescription pain kills that quickly sent his life into a tailspin. As injuries mounted and his daily intake of opioids reached a near-lethal level, he wrote his suicide note to his parents and plotted his death. Yet someone had been watching. A member of the Chiefs organization stepped in, recognizing the signs of drug addiction. Ryan reluctantly sought psychological help. and it was there that he revealed his lifelong secret for the very first time: he's gay. Now in his late twenties, Ryan faced a fork in the road of his life: end it, or find out if his family and football friends could ever accept a gay man in their lives."
Opinion: As I was reading this, I just felt bad for Ryan who believed that people were not going to support him just because of his sexuality. I'm just glad that he got to realize that people will support him no matter what. A more complete review will be posted on MyShelf.com in the upcoming months.
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