Mommy by Mistake (4.5/5)

Mommy by Mistake (4.5/5)

I received this book to review for the publisher. This is my second book by this author and I really like her writing style. This book is good, British chick lit. Natalie becomes pregnant after a weekend stand with Jack. She decides to keep the baby, even though she doesn't hear from Jack after their one and only weekend. Natalie gives birth to Freddie. She meets a group of young mothers (and one young father) and they form a baby group. While they are all very different and in different situations, they all have their issues and realize that they need the support of each other. Jack reappears (of course he does!) and reconnects with Natalie. But can he be a good father to Freddie?

Wake (YA) (5/5)

Wake (YA) (5/5)

This is the first in a ya series and is an excellent read. Janie gets pulled into the dreams of others if she is near them when they sleep. She is frightened by this and doesn't know how to control it. Eventually she gains some power over this ability. This book has decent mystery to it and the romance between Janie and Cabel is an added feature. I think this book is one that HS girls would like. I will continue this series, and have book 2, Fade, on request from the library.

Max and Emma

This is a picture of Max, my 3 year old Ragdoll, and Emma, my 8 year old Jack Russell, sharing the recliner. Emma sort of looks like Max is invading her space a little but they were actually sharing nicely before I bothered them by taking the picture :-)

Fearless Fourteen (5/5)

Fearless Fourteen (5/5)

The Stephanie Plum books are my favorite series and this one did not disappoint. There were several laugh out loud moments to this book, such as when Carl the monkey was let out of the bathroom and when Stephanie, Lula and Betty were dyed blue like Smurfs. This book continues a great series with action, mystery, romance and humor. Stephanie and Morelli seem to be closer in this book than Stephanie and Ranger. Another great read!

The Pact (5/5)

The Pact (5/5)

This book was incredibly emotional. Chris and Emily grew up together and began dating as teens. One night, Emily ends up being shot in the head. The story--a suicide pact between her and Chris--is questioned as Chris is still alive. He gets charged with her murder. This event drives the families, once best friends, apart. The trial is the bulk of the book, with flashbacks to the younger years showing the range of their relationship. Jodi Picoult is one of my favorite authors. I love how she takes an issue and just picks it apart.

CR: The Pact

I am currently reading The Pact by Jodi Picoult. I have about 100 pages left and hope to finish it this weekend. What an emotional ride! Chris and Emily have grown up together and now are a HS couple. Emily commits suicide and Chris is being charged with her murder. The families, once best friends, are divided from this horrific event. This book will grip readers.

Audrey, Wait! (YA) (5/5)

Audrey, Wait (YA) (5/5)

Audrey breaks up with Evan, her musician boyfriend. He writes a song about it which hits the charts. Suddenly, everything Audrey does is newsworthy. She needs to adjust to her fame, and has some issues doing so, like most 16 year olds would have. This book has a lot of humor in it. I loved it. Great piece of ya realistic fiction. HS girls would love this book.

The Battered Body (5/5)

The Battered Body (5/5)

This is the 5th book in one of my favorite cozy mystery series. The Supper Club members have yet another murder to solve. There are twists and turns in their romantic relationships as well. The big twist with James was not something I saw coming at all, but I loved it! This series is like visiting old friends. I love reading these books.

Again, too many books going at once

Once again I have too many books going on at once.
My current reads:
The Battered Body
Audrey, Wait! (YA)
The Pact
Fearless Fourteen
Night World No 1 (YA)
My Best Friend's Girl
Loving Frank
Living Dead in Dallas
The Girl in Blue
Mommy by Mistake
The Abstinence Teacher

No wonder I haven't finished a book in a week!

ttyl (YA) (4.5/5)

TTYL (YA) (4.5/5)

This book is written in IM (instant message) format. That can get a little annoying after a while but I ended up really liking this book. This book focuses on three friends--Zoe, Angela and Maddie. They are dealing with being 15 years old. This is a good piece of realistic fiction and I can see why HS girls would like this book.

Wintergirls (5/5) (YA)

Wintergirls (YA) (5/5)

Laurie Halse Anderson does it again! This book is a gripping view of teenage life. Lia is a girl dealing with a bunch of ghosts. She is recovering from an eating disorder, she is a cutter and she is having one heck of a guilt trip over the death of her former best friend. This book is raw emotion. HS girls will eat this book up. It has powerful images and powerful messages. Anderson is an amazing author.

Koko

This is Koko. She is a Ragdoll/Siamese mix. We had her for 3 years before she began to have issues with our younger cats. She now has a new home where she has been for almost a year and she is doing very well.

Teacher Man (4/5)

Teacher Man (4/5)

Frank McCourt tells of his teaching career, beginning at a vocational high school in NYC. He tells his stories with humor and honesty. As an English Teacher, I can definitely relate to some of his tales. He has a good voice in this book and I will most likely read another of his memoirs in the future.

After Tupac and D Foster (YA) (5/5)

After Tupac and D Foster (YA) (5/5)

Three girls become good friends. D's mom has left her in foster car. Neeka's older brother is in jail. The girls are bonded by a love for Tupac and his music. Tupac gets shot but recovers. They figure this means that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. The girls begin to mature and realize that life has its hardships.
This book was more of the traditional Woodson. Her last book, Feathers, felt differently to me than her others. This book returns to her roots--gritty, realistic fiction. This is a good, quick read. I think it is more of a girls book but boys could get into it as well.

Love Walked In (4/5)

Love Walked In (4/5)

Cornelia is dating Martin. She finds out that he has a daughter, Clare, when Clare's mother gets sick and takes off. Martin doesn't really have a good relationship with his daughter so Cornelia steps in as primary caregiver. She and Clare grow close. Also involved in Cornelia's brother in law, Teo.
This book is told in alternate chapters by Cornelia and Clare. This allows readers to see the events from different perspectives. This book has poignant moments and will pull at the heartstrings of readers.