2010 Reviews by Marce, with Genre and Rating

5 - Tea Time Perfection

The Manufactured Identity by Heath Sommer - read in February
Psychological Suspense

Tell-Tale by Sam Hayes - read in May
Mystery

I heart you, You haunt me by Lisa Schroeder on Kindle - read in February
YA Verse Novel

A Note from an Old Acquaintance by Bill Walker - read in July
Romance

Out of my Mind by Sharon Draper on Kindle - read in May
YA

4 1/2 - Great to the last Drop

Relic by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child - read in Oct
Horror
Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris on Kindle - read in Nov
Horror

After You by Julie Buxbaum on Kindle - read in Sept
Adult Fiction

Buying Time by Pamela Samuels Young - read in July
Thriller

13th Hour by Richard Doetsch  - read in May
Thriller in reverse

Prophecy Sisters by Michelle Zink - read in April
YA Paranormal Suspense

Far From You by Lisa Schroeder on Kindle - read in March
YA Verse Novel

Ace of Hearts by Jean Holloway - read in March
Erotic Thriller

Fade by Lisa McMann on Kindle - read in March
YA Mystery

The Last Bridge by Teri Coyne on Kindle - read in March
Adult Fiction, Thriller

The Quickie by James Patterson - read in February
Thriller

Wake by Lisa McMann on Kindle - read in February
YA Mystery

The Wednesday Letters by Jason Wright on Kindle - read in January
Adult Fiction

Lightning by Dean Koontz on Kindle - read in January
Paranormal Thriller

4 - Great to the last Drop

Beneath the Silver Lining by Amanda Wolfe - read in Nov

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley - read in Dec
Mystery

Black Jack (Deck of Cardz) by Jean Galloway - read in Oct
Thriller
The Godmother by Carrie Adams on Kindle - read in Sept
Adult Fiction

Beautiful Lies by Lisa Unger on Kindle - read in Sept
Thriller

The Shadow of Your Smile by Mary Higgins Clark - read in Sept
Suspense

The Remains by Vincent Zandri - read in Aug
Thriller

Guardian of the Gate by Michelle Zink - read in Aug
YA Paranormal Suspense

Crank by Ellen Hopkins on Kindle - read in Aug
YA Verse Novel

The Sculptor by Gregory Funaro on Kindle - read in Aug
Thriller

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee - read in July
Classic

Dead Game by Jennifer Chase on Kindle - read in May
Thriller

Motherhood is Murder by Diana Orgain on Kindle - read in April
Mystery

Letter to my Daughter by George Bishop on Kindle - read in April
Adult Fiction

Lessons from a Dead Girl by Jo Knowles - read in January
YA

3 1/2 More Sugar Please

The Grand Delusion by Heath Sommer - read in Nov
Thriller

Glimpse by Carol Lynch Williams on Kindle - read in Oct
YA Verse Novel

Still Missing by Chevy Stevens on Kindle - read in Sept
Thriller

Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins on Kindle - read in Aug
YA Dystopian

Angel Star by Jennifer Murgia on Kindle - read in July
YA Paranormal

Horns by Joe Hill on Kindle - read in July
Horror

The Murderer's Daughters by Randy Susan Meyers on Kindle - read in June
Mystery

Halo Effect by M J Rose on Kindle - read in June
Erotic Thriller, no review

Gone by Lisa McMann on Kindle - read in June
YA Mystery

Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk on Kindle - read in March
Horror

Push by Sapphire on Kindle - read in March
Adult Fiction

Heartsick by Chelsea Cain on Kindle - read in Feb
Thriller

Happiness Sold Separately by Lolly Winston - read in Jan
Adult Fiction

Such a Pretty Girl by Laura Wiess on Kindle - read in Jan
Adult Fiction


3 More Sugar Please

Cut Short by Leigh Russell - read in Dec
Crime Thriller
The Perfect Love Song by Patti Callahan Henry - read in Nov
Holiday Adult Fiction

Sexaholics by Pynk on Kindle - read in June
Erotica

Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane - read in April
Psychological Suspense

Th1rteen R3asons Why by Jay Asher on Kindle - read in March
YA

The Prisoner's Wife by Asha Bandele read in March
Memoir

Uglies by Scott Westerfield - read in Jan
YA Dystopian


2 1/2 Not My Cup of Tea


My Formerly Hot Life by Stephanie Dolgoff on Kindle - read in Aug
Memoir

Day 3 - BBAW - Because of bloggers I have loved these books

What have you read and loved because of a fellow blogger?

I use LibraryThing to organize my books: Wishlist, Kindle, Bookshelf, the monthly book club read and WHO RECOMMENDED the book.  I really like that I keep this information.

It was interesting to look back on this actually.

Matthew from A Guys Moleskine Notebook wrote a kick ass review of........

Matthew's Review

My Review - I just had a mini meltdown, I deleted my 5star review by mistake.  I didn't post to LibraryThing but thank goodness I did to Goodreads, sigh, I will have to fix this later.  Immediate headache and tears........... a 5star review, ok I'm breathing again.


Sandy from You've GOTTA read this blog - Her Review and  Ath's blog Reading on a Rainy Day

I have many on my list from Sandy actually, I never realized this before.

My Review - this was my 1st True Crime and Graphic novel

This blogger doesn't blog anymore but her is my review.



 

 

Another that I can't find the blogger anymore - My Review

 

 

Christa from the blog Mental Foodie: A Book and Food Lover (note we are online friends, she hasn't officially blogged in a few months but hasn't official gave up)  We have recommended many books to each other.

My review - I also had my book club read this, loved it

And the last one I will feature is from Natalie's blog - Coffee and Book Chick

Natalie's Review

My Review

Outside of blogger recommendation I would say Amazon has the best personal recommendations for me so far.  They are great at giving book ideas similar to books I have read and enjoyed.

I want to highlight these recommended books to me from my favourite bloggers:

Samantha from Booked on a Feeling - Silent Scream by Angela Marsons - My current read is from Sam also, Eeny Meeny by MJ Alridge and many more.  I add to my list often from Sam.

Kathy from Bermudaonion blog - The Third Wife by Lisa Jewell and The Color of Tea by Hannah Tunnicliffe

Michelle from That's what she read - The Winter Girl by Matt Marinovich, How to be a Good Wife by Emma Chapman and Mind of Winter by Laura Kasischke

Nicola from Back to Books - Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter

Reading with Jade - Marble Collector by Ceclia Ahern

Nise from Under the Boardwalk - The Guilty One by Lisa Ballantyne


 

I confess....... Love my Kindle more than books

So friends......... I must confess I am in LOVE with my Kindle. My partner tells me I am having an affair on him, lol

When I read a book now I actually miss my Kindle and wish I was reading on it instead of holding the book. WOW, can you believe it.

I totally thought I would never give up the joy of holding and reading a real book but I'm there. The Kindle has allowed me to venture out of my norm and try different genre's, etc that I would not have bought to try. Some of favourites this year, the Wake trilogy, Verse novels by Lisa Schroder, The Wednesday Letters.

The best part is I am a mood reader so the idea of saying I want to read "this" and being able to download and start reading it immeidately is a magical feeling.

I personally think Kindle prices are good and would be willing to pay $15 for a brand new book when the hardcover is over $20. I have to say I do love a hardcover and this is why the price is not an issue for me. Plus I have downloaded 4 free books of interest. So $9.99 being the norm is great, no complaints from me.

And my personal Bonus - The built in Dictionary, WOW, I never would stop reading to look up a word but with it right there it was to easy for me not to use. And now while reading a book and it happens I am immediately irritated that I can't use the feature.

I definitely still miss the cover of the book but now that I am blogging I have my current read on my sidebar and that is good enough for me. I also feel like I read faster on my Kindle.

So that is my confession blogging friends, you can shoot me if you want :-) I'm guilty as charged and extremely happy about it.

If it wasn't for Book Depository I would have gave up buying books anyway because Bermuda is WAY to expensive.

This is my initial review on the Kindle if interested. http://teawithmarce.blogspot.com/search?q=review+kindle&updated-max=2010-03-11T10%3A44%3A00-04%3A00&max-results=20





Thanks for visiting Tea Time with Marce

NetGalley Discussion Hosted by Kourtni Reads

Kourtni from Kourtni Reads created this discussion - go here to join

Disclaimer: This post is in no way affiliated with or sponsored by NetGalley. Just a fun post based on a website that I’m sure a lot of us book bloggers spend a lot of time on.

The rules:

• Link back to the tag’s creator (Kourtni Reads)
• Thank and link back to the person who tagged you
• Answer the questions the best you can. If you don’t use NetGalley, you can substitute other sites or places where you get books!
• Tag a few people to do this too

Auto-Approved: Who’s one author whose books you automatically want to read, regardless of what they’re about?

Specifically from NetGalley my auto-approved authors that I would buy if not offered are:

• Andrea Kane - Forensic Instincts series
• Amanda Stevens - Graveyard Queen series
• JT Ellison

Request: What makes you want to request a book that you see on NetGalley?

Blogger recommendations is my #1 or favourite authors.  I have tried a few from the covers and or descriptions but to be honest this is a hit or miss for me.  Being an international blogger doesn't always help with the choices either. Sad face when I get turned down.

Feedback Ratio: Do you review every book you read? If not, how do you decide what books to review?

The suggested feedback ratio is 80% and I am currently at 79%.  To be honest since they put this in I am a little stressed out by it.  I try not to request often because I want to make sure I enjoy them.  I have tried to review everyone that I request but I am down by 2.  I need to think about how to give feedback when it is a DNF.

I try to review every book I read but I have realized this year that I haven't.  I want to sit and think about it then I start another book and it's usually a done deal then.  There are 3 I really want to review but I'm starting to think it's not going to happen.

Badges: If you could create your own badge to display on your blog, what would it be for?

Badge, hmmmm - How about a country representing Badge - A Bermudian NetGalley blogger.  I currently have 4 but didn't even consider putting them on my sidebar, do bloggers or authors really care?

Wish for It: What’s one book that you are absolutely dying to read?

I have been waiting for months to read this one, I need it on Kindle immediately.  I understand how UK and International readers patiently wait now.  I am unsure when it will be released in the US for Kindle, I heard November.  It isn't on NetGalley either.

 

The day Adam Dunne's girlfriend, Sarah, fails to return from a Barcelona business trip, his perfect life begins to fall apart. Days later, the arrival of her passport and a note that reads ''I'm sorry--S'' sets off real alarm bells. He vows to do whatever it takes to find her. 

Adam is puzzled when he connects Sarah to a cruise ship called the Celebrate --and to a woman, Estelle, who disappeared from the same ship in eerily similar circumstances almost exactly a year before. 

To get answers, Adam must confront some difficult truths about his relationship with Sarah. He must do things of which he never thought himself capable. And he must try to outwit a predator who seems to have found the perfect hunting ground …

2016 NetGalley Challenge: What was the last book that you received as an ARC that you reviewed? If you’ve never received an ARC, what’s the last book you reviewed?

The last book reviewed actually was a NetGalley choice from Auto Approved.

Only Daughter - my review

I saw this on Cleopatra's blog and decided to join in - here are her responses.

Looking for Kindle Lending Partner(s) - My Personal Library

Amazon has made an announcement about Lending Kindle Books.

Here is my available list - let me know if you are interested, you only have 2 weeks to read it, so please only ask if you will read within that time.  I am happy to put your name attached to a book for up to 3 months.  My only request is that you say on your blog that you borrowed it from me, either linking my review or my blog.  I will make the decision who I would loan to.  Some points I will look at - frequent commenter on my blog, blog with similar reading style and those with a kindle that have the option to share with me also. 

I have so many on Kindle but these are the only ones available to loan at this time.

Also, I prefer to read them before lending, so those with an * I haven't read yet.

Leave a comment here and also email at marceblogspot(at)hotmail(dot)com

Note from Amazon: Be sure to send your Kindle book loan notification to your borrower's personal e-mail address, not their Kindle.com e-mail address.


Kindle Books - My Personal Library - Updated April 2011

Cain, Chelsea - Heartsick (Book 1) - Thriller
Cain, Chelsea - Sweetheart (Book 2) - Thriller*
Chase, Jennifer - Dead Game (Emily Stone Series) - Thriller
Collins, Suzanne - The Hunger Games - YA
Desforges, Saffina - Sugar and Spice - Thriller*
Dallas, Sandra - The Persian Pickle Club - Cozy Mystery
Funaro, Gregory - The Sculptor - Thriller/Horror
Funaro, Gregory - The Impaler - Thriller/Horror*
Grundler, C.E. - Last Exit in New Jersey Thriller
Harris, Thomas - The Silence of the Lambs - Horror/Thriller
Holloway, Jean - Black Jack (Deck of Cardz) - Thriller/Suspense
Johnson, Nancy C. - Her Last Letter - Suspense*
Locke, John - Saving Rachel (A Donovan Creed Crime Novel)  - Mystery*
Lorello, Elisa - Faking It - Erotic*
Manning, John - The Killing Room  - Thriller*
Meyers, Randy Susan - The Murderer's Daughters - Suspense
Murgia, Jennifer - Angel Star - YA
Nicholson, Scott - Speed Dating with the Dead - Suspense/Horror
Perez, Richard - Permanent Obscurity:  Erotic Suspense
Preston, Douglas and Lincoln Child - Relic - Thriller/Suspense
Stevens, Chevy - Still Missing - Suspense
Tardif, Cheryl Kaye - Children of the Fog - Thriller/Suspense*
Unger, Lisa - Beautiful Lies - Suspense
Weathersby, Sarah Gordon - Motherless Child - Memoir
Wells, Dan - I Am Not a Serial Killer (Book 1) - Thriller/Horror
Wells, Dan - Mr. Monster (Book 2 ) - Thriller/Horror
Zandri, Vincent - The Remains - Thriller
Zandri, Vincent - The Innocent - Thriller*
Zandri, Vincent - Pathological (A Digital Short) - Thriller
Ziegler, Irene - Ashes to Water (The Lake Trilogy) Suspense*


I am hoping this is a effective way of lending books.  I'm not happy about only being able to lend once but I guess I can't be choosy. 

Over time I am hoping I know who has a Kindle so we can be Lending Partners.  I will see how the year goes with this new feature.

EBook Reading Challenge (Kindle International)

 

I am excited to have found this challenge. I am new to the blogging scene and didn't really want to go overboard with the challenges so I am only participating in 3 including this one now. You can see on my sidebar the others.

I got a Kindle for Christmas so this should be easy. I am going for Obsessed - 20 E-books, I don't know if i'm obsessed with the kindle or what, lol I have the Kindle International as I live in Bermuda.

Go here to join -

http://alainereading.blogspot.com/2009/12/e-book-reading-challenge.htmlHere are the Challenge Guidelines:

1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.


2. There are four levels:

-- Curious – Read 3 E-Books.

-- Fascinated – Read 6 E-Books.

-- Addicted – Read 12 E-Books.

-- Obsessed – Read 20 E-Books.

3. Any genre counts.

4. You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap up post. If you list them, feel free to change them as the mood takes you.

5. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2010.

This will be fun - I am a new follower to Royal Reviews Blog. I will update later on what books I will read, these are one's I have already read.

Lightning by Dean Koontz http://teawithmarce.blogspot.com/2010/01/review-lightning-by-dean-koontz-on.html

and

Such a Pretty Girl by Laura Wiess http://teawithmarce.blogspot.com/2010/01/review-such-pretty-girl-by-laura-wiess.html

and (this one was before Jan)

The Widow's Season by Laura Brodie http://teawithmarce.blogspot.com/2009/12/review-widows-season-by-laura-brodie.html

Booking Through Thursday - Responses to Reading Questions

This is a fun one in order to get to know each other better BUT 55 is way to many, I will answer what I feel like and I do not use library's so those are out.



1. Favorite childhood book?


Corduroy - The Little Bear loses his button story

2. What are you reading right now?

Almost done with Guardian of the Gate


4. Bad book habit?

Buying to many books.  I am a mood reader so I buy to my mood and then when I am finished a book 80% of the time the book I bought is no longer the choice.

6. Do you have an e-reader?

I own a Kindle, here are my posts on them if interested.

I confess... Love my Kindle more than books 
&
Kindle Product Review
7. Do you prefer to read one book at a time, or several at once?

One at a time and I read approx 1 book a week with my busy life, possibly 2.

8. Have your reading habits changed since starting a blog?

My reading habits are less time reading more time blogging :-0 but I love it because I add new books to my Wishlist all the time and I had no idea about all the fabulous books before.

9. Least favorite book you read this year (so far?)

This may shock many but Uglies by Scott Westerfield.  It was my first try at Dystopian Genre and it is just not for me at all.  He is a great writer the genre is the issue.

10. Favorite book you’ve read this year?

The Manufactured Identity by Heath Sommer - My Review
(Psychological Suspense)

11. How often do you read out of your comfort zone?

Never before blogging but I have tried memoirs now and I would say I would try 4 books a year out of my comfort zone.

12. What is your reading comfort zone?

Suspense, Thriller, Mystery hands down

13. Can you read on the bus?

Yes but I am never on a bus.

14. Favorite place to read?

In my bed when no one is around to distract me.

15. What is your policy on book lending?

NO DOG EAR'S, funny that this is next question, it is a pet peeve.

16. Do you ever dog-ear books?

Never

20. What makes you love a book?

Believable characters and when a book makes me emotional - angry, shocked, sad, inquisitive....

21. What will inspire you to recommend a book?

It depends on the story and who I am recommending to.  I would recommend Still Alice by Lisa Genova to everyone.

22. Favorite genre?

Suspense

23. Genre you rarely read (but wish you did?)

If I wished I did I would.........

27. Most inspirational book you’ve read this year (fiction or non-fiction)?

Out of my Mind review

28. Favorite reading snack?

Earl Grey Tea

29. Name a case in which hype ruined your reading experience.

I take longer to read them.  eg. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Hunger Games, I still haven't read these.  I am sure I will the Girl but still deciding about HGames.

30. How often do you agree with critics about a book?

I listen to blogging friends, they are the critics I am concerned with.

31. How do you feel about giving bad/negative reviews?

It is my opinion as a reader, I am not a professional or try to come across as one so I give my review but I feel I say why and usually I will say I cannot recommend this one but the average rating is *.........

32. If you could read in a foreign language, which language would you chose?

Portuguese

33. Most intimidating book you’ve ever read?

I get intimidated by Chunkster's and I can't think of an answer.
35. Favorite Poet?

Don't have a favourite but I do enjoy Poetry.  Lisa Schroeder is an amazing Verse Novel Author, if that counts.

42. Name a book that you could/would not finish.

Time Traveler's Wife, I really tried.

43. What distracts you easily when you’re reading?

My 3 year old daughter

44. Favorite film adaptation of a novel?

The Notebook hands down

45. Most disappointing film adaptation?

My Sisters Keeper

46. The most money I’ve ever spent in the bookstore at one time?

$140 but this included books for myself and Christmas presents.

47. How often do you skim a book before reading it?

Not often

48. What would cause you to stop reading a book half-way through?

Being confused or it is just boring, if I feel tortured to cont' I stop.

49. Do you like to keep your books organized?

A little - All Mary Higgins Clark are together, TBR together and read that I loved together.  I donate others.

50. Do you prefer to keep books or give them away once you’ve read them?

see above

51. Are there any books you’ve been avoiding?

The books that have to most hype.  Hunger Games, Book Thief and Dragon Tattoo.  I even included them on a challenge this year and I have 4 months left, I'm not to sure about them being completed.

52. Name a book that made you angry.

Angry in a good way - Ace of Hearts by Jean Holloway My Review
          (Thriller, Suspense)
53. A book you didn’t expect to like but did?

This is hard to answer, I wouldn't read anything that I didn't expect to enjoy.  The Verse Novels intrigued me this year and I am enjoying those more than expected I guess.

54. A book that you expected to like but didn’t?

Shutter Island

55. Favorite guilt-free, pleasure reading?

I consider Verse Novels my new simple pleasure.


Thanks for visiting Tea Time with Marce

Review - Hate List by Jennifer Brown

Book Summary from Amazon

Five months ago, Valerie Leftman's boyfriend, Nick, opened fire on their school cafeteria. Shot trying to stop him, Valerie inadvertently saved the life of a classmate, but was implicated in the shootings because of the list she helped create. A list of people and things she and Nick hated. The list he used to pick his targets.

Now, after a summer of seclusion, Val is forced to confront her guilt as she returns to school to complete her senior year. Haunted by the memory of the boyfriend she still loves and navigating rocky relationships with her family, former friends and the girl whose life she saved, Val must come to grips with the tragedy that took place and her role in it, in order to make amends and move on with her life.

My Review - 4 1/2 stars

A great YA read, one of my favourites actually, either they are not my cup of tea or I really enjoy them.  Amazing characters, real family and teenage issues, school situations, tragedy, forgiveness, counseling sessions, overall really great.  One thing I enjoy about YA is when parents are included, I may have thought the parents sucked but they were a true part of the storyline.  The father was beyond selfish, this surprised me as he was a professional, a lawyer, and he didn't assist his daughter, shocking.

The format took a little getting used to but I did enjoy going from present day back to the May 2nd incident day.  And the book was in parts, great thoughout flow.  The newspaper reports thrown in showed the impact of how many were killed or victimsm this was a dynamic style.  The media was confronted near the end which was a great ending, briging closure to the book and the characters.

Sometimes when you don't like a character you don't enjoy the book but these characters were done so well it gave the book fulfillment.  Teenagers must be the hardest to figure out and relate to, Jennifer Brown did a great job.

I would highly recommend this one to young adults, think it is an important read.  A book that can be used to understand Bullying and the consequences.  I enjoyed it more than Speak and I know many think that is a must read.  Hate List had me crying at the end, wow.

Some favourite quotes:

People do it all the time - assume that they 'know' what's going on in someon else's head.  That's impossible.  And to think it's possible is a mistake.  A really big mistake.  A life-ruining one if you're not careful. 7% on Kindle

And that's how it started:  the infamous Hate List.  Started as a joke. A way to vent frustration.  But it grew into something else I'd never have guessed.  31% on Kindle

"Life isn't fair.  A fair's a place where you eat corn dogs and ride the Ferris wheel."
      "I hate it when you say that."
      "So do my kids."  49% on Kindle

"One's my favorite number," Bea giggled.  "The word won being the past tense of win, and we can all say at the end of the day that we've won once again, can't we? Some days making it to the end of the day is quite the victory."
...................One, Won, One hour.  Junst one.  Won.  I tossed the words around in my head.  66% on Kindle

"Just like there's always time for pain, there's always time for healing.  67% on Kindle

Kindle International Review - My immediate response

I got the Kindle for Christmas and this beautiful bronze Cole Haan cover.

I have only read 1 book so far but this is my immediate thoughts on it.

What I love about the Kindle

- It is fast and easy to start reading

- Reads like a book (I was impressed)

- Books in under 60 seconds

- No need to search for Wi Fi, it uses Wireless coverage

- Some ebooks are FREE, I got James Patterson's The Angel Experiment (Maximum Ride, Book 1)

- Great battery life, I read My Widow's Season in 4 days and didn't need to recharge

- Being able to download samples (first chapter before buying)

- I personally think $9.99 is a great price for books

- The built in Dictionary, WOW, I never would stop reading to look up a word but with it right there it was to easy for me not to use.

- The ability to highlight and keep notes, fantastic for bloggers and those that write reviews

What I would like to see in future - My personal preference - Also my didn't really like about the Kindle

- The cover of the book when it goes to sleep (I really missed looking at the cover of the book)

- The page of the printed book (You can tell where you are by a % but just didn't feel the same, this will take a little getting used to. I had to go to Table of Contents and see how many chapters the book had and feel it out from that)

What I look forward to

- Using the Text to Speech feature (Only some books have the audio part so I was unable to test this part out but I think it is a great feature for the kindle)

- Cover of books in colour

- A way to read the Kindle in the dark :-)

Now, I will NEVER give up the joy of holding and reading a real book but this will allow me to venture out of my norm and try different genre's. Also, I am a mood reader so the idea of saying I want to read "this" and being able to download and start reading it is a magical thought.

Thanks for reading Friends.

This link is what really Sold me since I hadn't actually seen one to touch, feel, experience it before. A Guided Tour http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Wireless-Reading-Display-Generation/dp/B0015T963C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1262187769&sr=1-1

No Books or Kindle allowed on vacation

&

I was telling my partner how I have to review a book and post it and his response was WHEN, while we are on vacation, Your taking books????  He has been joking that I am having an affair with my Kindle but I don't think he will pleased with this for the trip, maybe I can get away with reading on the plane.

So, to be fair, we have been begging for time together, no children, no parents, no siblings, no work, no responsibility other than having fun with each other and watching the World Cup final games.  We are both fans.

So I am really considering not taking my kindle or a book, OMG.  It is only 5 days but usually I can finish 2 books while on short holidays without our 3 year old. 

We go away next Thursday, I need to finish Horns by Joe Hill, probably will on Friday and going to try and finish A Note from an Old Acquaintance before we go, July 7 is suppose to be my review date anyway. 

Plus I wanted to read To Kill a Mockingbird and have review up for July 11, the anniversary but this doesn't seem possible right now.

I am feeling a little stressed about this, that so says I am addicted to my books and blogging about them.  :-)

Do you feel my pain?  :-0

Thanks for visiting Tea Time with Marce

Review - The Prophet by Ethan Cross

Book summary from authors website

OLD ENEMIES

Francis Ackerman Jr. is one of America’s most prolific serial killers. Having kept a low profile for the past year, he is ready to return to work – and he’s more brutal, cunning, and dangerous than ever.

NEW THREATS

Scarred from their past battles, Special Agent Marcus Williams cannot shake Ackerman from his mind. But now fully integrated into The Shepherd Organization, an underground law enforcement agency, Marcus has to focus on catching the Anarchist, a new killer who drugs and kidnaps women before burning them alive.

HIDDEN TERRORS

Marcus knows the Anarchist will strike again soon. And Ackerman is still free. But worse than this is a mysterious figure, unknown to the authorities, who controls the actions of the Anarchist and many like him. He is the Prophet – and his plans are more terrible than even his own disciples can imagine.


My Review - 4 1/2

Ethan Cross has made a name in the crime genre, I think he will be known as the likes, Thomas Harris and Jeffrey Deaver.  He knows how to write an edge of your seat thriller.  This series will get your heart pumping with exciting rage.

I really enjoyed the debut The Shepherd and novella The Cage.  This also lived up to expectations.  I was wow'd in December and kind of wished I had just read this right away.

Marcus is the main character, an unorthodox detective that has a mysterious connection to Ackerman, the serial killer from Shepherd.  I enjoyed how this tension was used in the book and when Ethan Cross reveal's it towards the end they slam you with another, enough to keep you excited for the next.  I am sure there will be another..........

There was lots going on in this installment, action packed thrills, mystery and suspense.  A new serial killer on the loose with a connection to a cult, where the leader was known as The Prophet.  Marcus was running against the clock to save many but had the continuous distraction of Ackerman calling him, trying to manipulate the investigation and continue his torture games.

Ackerman is the craziest, cruelest killer I have ever read about so to mix it up with sadistic cult killers also, terrorizing to say the least. 

If you want a taste to see if you will enjoy it, go for The Cage, the thriller novella, a perfect taste of madness.

I highly recommend this series.

Quotes

A person often meets his destiny on the road he took to avoid it.  19% on Kindle

Marcus wondered how someone that could appear so normal to the outside world could actually be so utterly insane.  85% on Kindle

That kind of joy and contentment was so elusive and rare.  He had been born without a soul.  But soon he would steal a piece of hers.  He would feel what she felt.  He would taste her happiness and make it his own.  11% on Kindle


Here is my review of The Shepherd - 4 1/2
 

Review - Turn of Mind by Alice LaPlante

Book Summary from Amazon

As the book opens, Dr. Jennifer White’s best friend, Amanda, who lived down the block, has been killed, and four fingers surgically removed from her hand. Dr. White is the prime suspect and she herself doesn’t know whether she did it. Told in White’s own voice, fractured and eloquent, a picture emerges of the surprisingly intimate, complex alliance between these life-long friends—two proud, forceful women who were at times each other’s most formidable adversaries. As the investigation into the murder deepens and White’s relationships with her live-in caretaker and two grown children intensify, a chilling question lingers: is White’s shattered memory preventing her from revealing the truth or helping her to hide it?

Publication Date - July 5, 2011

My Review - 4 stars

It was suggested to me by Christa to read a summary of the book to see if I would enjoy the style of writing, I think this is the perfect idea to consider.  Christa's review at Mental Foodie: A book and food lover blog.

The whole book is told from Dr. White's perspective, who has different stages of dementia and from journal entries from the other characters.  They are simple paragraphs and having her as the unreliable narrator adds to the mystery.  At times it doesn't make sense initially but also ties in together at the end.  My favourite times is when she goes back to being an active physician, she was obviously respected in her work and the murder was a direct tie in with her profession also.

My dad has dementia and so reading this felt personal to me.  I have read enough books to know this novel was genuine on what goes through the heads of victims to this harsh illness.  Many times not making sense to the reader or Dr. White.

If you read mysteries you may not be surprised by the ending but I thought it was executed well in this style.

The relationship of Dr. White with her son, daughter and best friend was memorable.  Mixed emotions with  family drama, grief, loss, anger, humor and trust all surrounding her being the person of interest with the murder of her best friend.  She is the one who can answer the questions unanswered but she doesn't remember, glimpse are clear but did it really happen.....

This was a great novel with a unreliable character with dementia. 

I think Still Alice by Lisa Genova is the best novel for those interested in reading a book on Dementia/Alzheimers.

Favourite quotes

I've read enough about this disease to know that you can't predict the future by the past.  It's like they say about parenting:  Just when you think you've mastered it, everything changes. 22 % on Kindle

My plots are simple:  Walk to the door.  Wait until no one is looking.  Open the door.  Leave.  Go home. Bar the front entrance against all comers.  62% on Kindle

I added to my TBR list after reading the review of Tina says..... go here.

 

Review - Dark Matter by Blake Crouch

Book Summary

“Are you happy with your life?” 
 
Those are the last words Jason Dessen hears before the masked abductor knocks him unconscious. 
 
Before he awakens to find himself strapped to a gurney, surrounded by strangers in hazmat suits. 
 
Before a man Jason’s never met smiles down at him and says, “Welcome back, my friend.”  
 
In this world he’s woken up to, Jason’s life is not the one he knows. His wife is not his wife. His son was never born. And Jason is not an ordinary college physics professor, but a celebrated genius who has achieved something remarkable. Something impossible.
 
Is it this world or the other that’s the dream? And even if the home he remembers is real, how can Jason possibly make it back to the family he loves? The answers lie in a journey more wondrous and horrifying than anything he could’ve imagined—one that will force him to confront the darkest parts of himself even as he battles a terrifying, seemingly unbeatable foe.
 
Dark Matter is a brilliantly plotted tale that is at once sweeping and intimate, mind-bendingly strange and profoundly human—a relentlessly surprising science-fiction thriller about choices, paths not taken, and how far we’ll go to claim the lives we dream of.


My Review 3 1/2

This was my first Blake Crouch book which I chose after a few reviews intrigued me.  I thought the beginning was great, fast paced and draws you right in. You meet Jason, his wife Daniela and son.  They are living a comfortable happy life.  Choices are made once you have children, not necessarily better or worst but different from the original plan.  Jason leaves home to go congratulate a friend which should only take an hour but in reality it takes a little over a month.

And while the thought of last night carries the emotional weight of a real memory, it has the fantasy lining of a dream, or a nightmare. Kindle 21%

The sci-fi wasn't a turn off for me but the similarities once Jason woke and tried to find his real home became tedious to read, recurring over and over with little changes. I am not a fan of time travel novels so maybe this was similar to that for me - Groundhog feel.  I do think the reality of a different life and the scientific plan is incredible but it just felt repetitive.  This lost the intensity for me and by mid way I just wanted to find out what happens.

I enjoyed the idea of original Jason choosing his career versus family man Jason and debating who has the better life.  Life is all about decisions and consequences and both were great choices.  What threw me for a loop and felt a little weird were the numerous Jason's.  I won't go into this further.

If you strip away all the trappings of personality and lifestyle, what are the core components that make me, me? Kindle 64%

I thought I appreciated every moment, but sitting here in the cold, I know I took it all for granted.  And how could I not?  Until everything topples, we have no idea what we actually have, how precariously and perfectly it all hangs together. Kindle 67%

I did enjoy some of the questions that arose, it had you take the time to sit back and reflect.

There was nothing drastic about the ending, it just was.  I understand choosing that way but I would have liked to hear more from Jason that stole 'his' life back.  It almost had a happily ever after feel which doesn't mix with the story line unless they are allowing the reader to makeup the 'what is next'.

"Every moment, every breath, contains a choice.  But life is imperfect.  We make the wrong choices.  So we end up living in a state of perpetual egret, and is there anything worse?  Kindle 95%

I enjoyed Blake Crouch writing style and at times he slides in what I consider to be a novel in verse, creative.

Review - The American Marriage by Tayari Jones

Publication Date, February 2018

Book Summary

Newlyweds Celestial and Roy are the embodiment of both the American Dream and the New South. He is a young executive, and she is an artist on the brink of an exciting career. But as they settle into the routine of their life together, they are ripped apart by circumstances neither could have imagined. Roy is arrested and sentenced to twelve years for a crime Celestial knows he didn’t commit. Though fiercely independent, Celestial finds herself bereft and unmoored, taking comfort in Andre, her childhood friend, and best man at their wedding. As Roy’s time in prison passes, she is unable to hold on to the love that has been her center. After five years, Roy’s conviction is suddenly overturned, and he returns to Atlanta ready to resume their life together.
 
This stirring love story is a profoundly insightful look into the hearts and minds of three people who are at once bound and separated by forces beyond their control. An American Marriage is a masterpiece of storytelling, an intimate look deep into the souls of people who must reckon with the past while moving forward--with hope and pain--into the future.

My Review -  5 stars

I am glad I went into this story without any knowledge.  A friend tagged me on Oprah's post where she recommended friends to read together.  A day later another friend reaches out and starts a Whatsapp group to discuss the book.  I am in a book club but this was a new way to read a book and it added to the enjoyment of reading The American Marriage.  There are no spoilers.

The story is told in 3 Chapters through the main characters Roy, Celestial and Andre.  How you think about marriage will come into question, make you sit back and say what is right or wrong, traditional or not and if generations look at marriage differently. 

"Sometimes when you like where you end up, you don't care how you got there."  Kindle 11%

We get to see how young marriage unfolds, deciding on becoming parents, in-laws, career building and what no one should have to deal with, being locked up for a crime you didn't commit.  How the incarceration affects all involved is an intense, emotional, love affair you will not forget.

Tarai Jones has wrote a winner, I am positive this book will be in my Top Ten for the year.  The older men in the book are the true MVP's, old school wisdom.  I laughed and cried, the story is very touching.  As a black Bermudian it is hard for me to understand the African American life and Tarai Jones does an amazing job on showing us how unfair life can be for an African American man without the feel of racism being uncomfortable.

"I have one thing to say to you, as a black man:  Roy is a hostage of the state.  He is a victim of America.  The least you could do........  Kindle 40%

I did not enjoy the character of Celestial, I just couldn't relate to her thoughts, her decisions, she wasn't a strong or weak female, spoiled yes, but that is still no excuse, I really am stumped by how much I disliked her in the story.  She has strong opinions on not belonging to anyone, this is a continuous topic.  It came to a point every time we came to her chapters, I had to take a breath to tolerate her.

My favourite characters are the fathers in the story and Roy, a true romantic.  There is so much to love about this incredible story.  We get history and heartbreaking moment to moment.  A huge part of the story are told through letters which gave it a beautiful, genuine feel.  You can also feel the journey of love change over the years.

Is it love or is it convenience? Kindle 69% 

The situation was a lot of things - tragic, absurd, unlikely, and maybe even unethical - but it was not convenient.  Kindle 69%

I also enjoyed how as the reader you are unsure who to root for, how the story will end and who really is the underdog.  I loved the ending but I think it will be different for each reader. 

I am very intrigued by the author now and will read more by her. There is so much to this story, I have had to be as general as possible in order for you to enjoy the story as it unfolds.    I highly recommend.