Mudbound
This book was a great historical fiction read. Set in the south in 1946, it details the lives of two families--whites Henry and Laura, Henry's father Pappy and brother Jamie and blacks Hap and Florence and their son Ronsel. Jamie and Ronsel are both recently returned from the war but Pappy, with his KKK roots, feels that the two boys are nowhere on the same plane. This book is told in chapters from alternating narrators and this adds to the story. I found this book to be extremely well-written and the characters well-developed. This book hooked me immediately. I highly recommend it.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Sunday, July 24, 2011
A Weekend with Mr. Darcy
A Weekend with Mr. Darcy
This is a must read for Jane Austen fans. Katherine and Robyn head out for a Jane Austen weekend. Katherine meets Warwick Lawton there, a man she is drawn to but who seems to have a secret. Robyn, followed to the weekend by the boyfriend she is considering getting rid of, meets Dan, a horseman. The couples do not have easy roads to romance but readers will root for them all the way. This book had romance, humor and a big dose of Jane Austen! I enjoyed the writing style and the characters in this book. I also enjoyed how this book used Jane Austen and her writings to propel the plot but did not try to re-write or follow up to the original Austen works. It was a nice way to pay homage to a great author. I received this book from Sourcebooks in exchange for a review.
This is a must read for Jane Austen fans. Katherine and Robyn head out for a Jane Austen weekend. Katherine meets Warwick Lawton there, a man she is drawn to but who seems to have a secret. Robyn, followed to the weekend by the boyfriend she is considering getting rid of, meets Dan, a horseman. The couples do not have easy roads to romance but readers will root for them all the way. This book had romance, humor and a big dose of Jane Austen! I enjoyed the writing style and the characters in this book. I also enjoyed how this book used Jane Austen and her writings to propel the plot but did not try to re-write or follow up to the original Austen works. It was a nice way to pay homage to a great author. I received this book from Sourcebooks in exchange for a review.
The Darling Dahlias and the Cucumber Tree
The Darling Dahlias and the Cucumber Tree
This is the first book in a cozy mystery series with a historical southern feel to it. The Darling Dahlias is a woman's garden group but they are so much more. When a young woman is murdered, the ladies begin to investigate. At the same time, they are trying to clear another woman of charges of stealing from the town bank. These ladies are made of Southern steel--they look delicate but they are tough cookies. They are a great group of characters. I enjoyed this book a lot--it was a quick read and I liked the writing flow of it. I have the second book in this series on my Kindle to read.
This is the first book in a cozy mystery series with a historical southern feel to it. The Darling Dahlias is a woman's garden group but they are so much more. When a young woman is murdered, the ladies begin to investigate. At the same time, they are trying to clear another woman of charges of stealing from the town bank. These ladies are made of Southern steel--they look delicate but they are tough cookies. They are a great group of characters. I enjoyed this book a lot--it was a quick read and I liked the writing flow of it. I have the second book in this series on my Kindle to read.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Click: An Onlie Love Story
Click: An Online Love Story
This was a good chick lit read. The book was told entirely through emails and I enjoyed that format. Renee decides to try her luck at online dating. She keeps her friends Mark, Ashley and Shelley up to date on her dating escapades. Renee meets some interesting men through online dating; she meets some good guys too. There was a lot of humor in this book. I enjoyed how well written and full developed these characters were even though the format was all emails. This shows good writing in my opinion. I liked how the friendship of these four characters were portrayed in the book. There was a lot of romance in the book as well. I really cared about these characters. The author sent me this book for review and I am glad that she did. I read this book on my Kindle.
This was a good chick lit read. The book was told entirely through emails and I enjoyed that format. Renee decides to try her luck at online dating. She keeps her friends Mark, Ashley and Shelley up to date on her dating escapades. Renee meets some interesting men through online dating; she meets some good guys too. There was a lot of humor in this book. I enjoyed how well written and full developed these characters were even though the format was all emails. This shows good writing in my opinion. I liked how the friendship of these four characters were portrayed in the book. There was a lot of romance in the book as well. I really cared about these characters. The author sent me this book for review and I am glad that she did. I read this book on my Kindle.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
A journalist is hired by a wealthy man to solve the murder of his niece, 40 years after it happened. The journalist discovers that this is not a normal family. There are twists and turns throughout this book that will keep readers hooked. I loved the character of Lisbeth--a researcher/computer hacker with her own set of dysfunctions. She kicked ass. I had heard that this book started off slowly and it did a bit (a lot of background information and people all at once) but once it picked up, boy did it pick up! I really enjoyed this book and have the others in the series to read (this is the first book in the series). I recommend this book.
A journalist is hired by a wealthy man to solve the murder of his niece, 40 years after it happened. The journalist discovers that this is not a normal family. There are twists and turns throughout this book that will keep readers hooked. I loved the character of Lisbeth--a researcher/computer hacker with her own set of dysfunctions. She kicked ass. I had heard that this book started off slowly and it did a bit (a lot of background information and people all at once) but once it picked up, boy did it pick up! I really enjoyed this book and have the others in the series to read (this is the first book in the series). I recommend this book.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Books Can Be Deceiving
Books Can Be Deceiving
This is the first book in a new cozy mystery series and I loved it. Lindsey has recently become the library director of a small-town library where her friend Beth is the children librarian. Beth's ex-boyfriend is murdered and Lindsey and Beth become investigators when the local police chief is more than happy to assume that Beth did it. This book had a great cast of characters and a wonderful cozy feel to it. The mystery had me guessing up until the end of the book. McKinley is becoming a favorite author of mine--I loved her cupcake cozy mystery series as well. I heartily recommend this book and cannot wait for the second book to come out.
This is the first book in a new cozy mystery series and I loved it. Lindsey has recently become the library director of a small-town library where her friend Beth is the children librarian. Beth's ex-boyfriend is murdered and Lindsey and Beth become investigators when the local police chief is more than happy to assume that Beth did it. This book had a great cast of characters and a wonderful cozy feel to it. The mystery had me guessing up until the end of the book. McKinley is becoming a favorite author of mine--I loved her cupcake cozy mystery series as well. I heartily recommend this book and cannot wait for the second book to come out.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Prophecy of Days (YA)
Prophecy of Days (YA)
This is the first in a young adult adventure series. Caity's parents move to Scotland when her father inherits a castle; her parents decide to turn the castle into an inn. Caity finds a secret room off of her bedroom; this room is full of symbols and codes for her to decipher. She decodes enough to figure out that part of this code is about her and what she is "destined" to do. Caity enlists the help of some others (her friend Justine, an attractive boy Alex and her Uncle Li) to help her figure out what is going on with the castle and its secrets. This book bogged down a bit in the middle but picked up at the end and I see that the second book just came out; I will try to read it at some point. This was a decent read. I liked Caity and Alex and I loved Mr. Papers, the monkey who made origami. He rocked. I would recommend this book.
This is the first in a young adult adventure series. Caity's parents move to Scotland when her father inherits a castle; her parents decide to turn the castle into an inn. Caity finds a secret room off of her bedroom; this room is full of symbols and codes for her to decipher. She decodes enough to figure out that part of this code is about her and what she is "destined" to do. Caity enlists the help of some others (her friend Justine, an attractive boy Alex and her Uncle Li) to help her figure out what is going on with the castle and its secrets. This book bogged down a bit in the middle but picked up at the end and I see that the second book just came out; I will try to read it at some point. This was a decent read. I liked Caity and Alex and I loved Mr. Papers, the monkey who made origami. He rocked. I would recommend this book.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
My Jane Austen Summer
My Jane Austen Summer
Lily's mother just died, she just lost her job and her boyfriend just broke up with her. Figuring she has nothing to lose, she decides to sell her clothes and her furniture and move to England for the summer to take part in Literature Live--where the books of her favorite author, Jane Austen, are re-enacted. Things do not quite work out like she had planned though--she does not get a part in the plays, the business is not doing well financially and she falls in love with a man who is unavailable. This was decent chick lit, though sometimes I wanted to wake Lily up with a slap. Overall, I enjoyed the book. Love the Jane Austen connection.
Lily's mother just died, she just lost her job and her boyfriend just broke up with her. Figuring she has nothing to lose, she decides to sell her clothes and her furniture and move to England for the summer to take part in Literature Live--where the books of her favorite author, Jane Austen, are re-enacted. Things do not quite work out like she had planned though--she does not get a part in the plays, the business is not doing well financially and she falls in love with a man who is unavailable. This was decent chick lit, though sometimes I wanted to wake Lily up with a slap. Overall, I enjoyed the book. Love the Jane Austen connection.
Bad Dog: A Love Story
Bad Dog: A Love Story
This book tells the story of Hola, a Bernese mountain dog, and Martin, her alcoholic owner. In order to give both of their lives more focus, Martin decides to train Hola for the Canine Good Citizen test--no easy feat for a dog with certain Marley-esque qualities. But the bond between the two is strong and both are willing to work to help the other succeed. Along with detailing the training of Hola, Martin talks about his and his friends battle with alcohol, the dissolution of his marriage, and the growing connection between he and his dog. Having lost my dog two weeks ago to bladder cancer, this book was good therapy for me. It is a must read for dog lovers. I enjoyed the references to dog literature, especially the references to the Susan Conant dog mysteries. I recommend this book. I received this book from the Amazon Vine program for review.
This book tells the story of Hola, a Bernese mountain dog, and Martin, her alcoholic owner. In order to give both of their lives more focus, Martin decides to train Hola for the Canine Good Citizen test--no easy feat for a dog with certain Marley-esque qualities. But the bond between the two is strong and both are willing to work to help the other succeed. Along with detailing the training of Hola, Martin talks about his and his friends battle with alcohol, the dissolution of his marriage, and the growing connection between he and his dog. Having lost my dog two weeks ago to bladder cancer, this book was good therapy for me. It is a must read for dog lovers. I enjoyed the references to dog literature, especially the references to the Susan Conant dog mysteries. I recommend this book. I received this book from the Amazon Vine program for review.
Friday, July 8, 2011
The Lightning Thief (YA)
The Lightning Thief (YA)
This is the first book in a young adult series. I am really glad I saw the movie before reading the book--otherwise, I would have hated the movie. The movie left out tons of book action! In the book, Percy Jackson discovers he is a demi-god: half human, half god. He goes to Half Blood Camp to figure out which god is his father and after that, he is sent on a quest. His quest is to find the stolen lightning bolt of Zeus and return it to the mighty god. This book had tons of action, great characters (I loved Grover--Percy's protector who is a goat disguised as a human) and a lot of humor. I have the rest of this series on my Kindle and look forward to reading them. These books can span the YA audience and adults could love them too.
This is the first book in a young adult series. I am really glad I saw the movie before reading the book--otherwise, I would have hated the movie. The movie left out tons of book action! In the book, Percy Jackson discovers he is a demi-god: half human, half god. He goes to Half Blood Camp to figure out which god is his father and after that, he is sent on a quest. His quest is to find the stolen lightning bolt of Zeus and return it to the mighty god. This book had tons of action, great characters (I loved Grover--Percy's protector who is a goat disguised as a human) and a lot of humor. I have the rest of this series on my Kindle and look forward to reading them. These books can span the YA audience and adults could love them too.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
In the Heat of the Bite
In the Heat of the Bite
This is the second book in a paranormal romance series. This book stands alone well, though there are characters from book one in this book. Enough back story is given that readers will be ok if they have not read the first book. In this book, Rhiannon, a witch, meets and falls in love with Matthew, a vampire. Throw some werewolves and other obstacles in the mix and you have a great paranormal love story. I enjoyed this book--I liked the characters and I will continue reading this series. I was sent this book by Sourcebooks in exchange for a review.
This is the second book in a paranormal romance series. This book stands alone well, though there are characters from book one in this book. Enough back story is given that readers will be ok if they have not read the first book. In this book, Rhiannon, a witch, meets and falls in love with Matthew, a vampire. Throw some werewolves and other obstacles in the mix and you have a great paranormal love story. I enjoyed this book--I liked the characters and I will continue reading this series. I was sent this book by Sourcebooks in exchange for a review.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Chapter and Hearse
Chapter and Hearse
This is the 4th book in a great cozy mystery series. In this book, a fellow bookstore owner of Tricia's is killed when his bookstore is blown up. Tricia begins to investigate who is behind the explosion. As usual, this can get her and those around her into some trouble. I love this series--good mystery, a little romance, great characters, a great cat in Ms. Marple--all make for good reading. I love the setting of Booktown and wish I lived in a town of bookstores.
This is the 4th book in a great cozy mystery series. In this book, a fellow bookstore owner of Tricia's is killed when his bookstore is blown up. Tricia begins to investigate who is behind the explosion. As usual, this can get her and those around her into some trouble. I love this series--good mystery, a little romance, great characters, a great cat in Ms. Marple--all make for good reading. I love the setting of Booktown and wish I lived in a town of bookstores.
Juggling Fire (YA)
Juggling Fire (YA)
Rachel sets off to hike through the Yukon to her family's cabin--the last place that her father was known to be. Her mother is not thrilled with the idea but lets her go off on her journey with her dog, Brooks as her only companion, save for the golden bear that follows her on her travels. This book was interesting to me because my husband was in the Yukon at the time I was reading this. I almost gave up on the book when something bad happened to Brooks but I had to keep reading to find out the final outcome for the doggy. Rachel always made up her own endings to fairy tales and the book went back and forth between her fairy tales and her journey and that got a bit annoying at times.
Rachel sets off to hike through the Yukon to her family's cabin--the last place that her father was known to be. Her mother is not thrilled with the idea but lets her go off on her journey with her dog, Brooks as her only companion, save for the golden bear that follows her on her travels. This book was interesting to me because my husband was in the Yukon at the time I was reading this. I almost gave up on the book when something bad happened to Brooks but I had to keep reading to find out the final outcome for the doggy. Rachel always made up her own endings to fairy tales and the book went back and forth between her fairy tales and her journey and that got a bit annoying at times.
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