Teaser Tuesday - Until You're Mine

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along!

Just do the following and go here to participate: Teaser Tuesday

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) 'teaser' sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Teaser is from 97% on iPad

As Sissy says, having something to love goes a long way towards filling the void that not being loved leaves behind. 

'I know I can't have a baby,' she says quietly.


My Review - 3 1/2 It has a Hand that rocks the cradle creepy feel.








 

Monday - What are you reading?

Sheila over at Book Journey has an incentive for networking so go over and have fun while adding to your 2013 Wishlist.

I just finished this one, reminded me of movie The Hand that Rocks the Cradle, creepy

 

My Review

 

I also completed another in the Forensic Instincts series

 

My ARC Review

 

 



 

Since my last meme post, I also completed

 

My Review

 

 

 

Tonight I am going to start a review copy

 

 

 

 

Hope you have a great week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Until You're Mine by Samantha Hayes

Book Summary

Published in UK on June 20, 2013- available on NetGalley

You have something that someone else wants.

 At any cost …

Claudia seems to have the perfect life.
She’s heavily pregnant with a much-wanted baby, she has a loving husband, and a beautiful home.
And then Zoe steps into her life. Zoe has come to help Claudia when her baby arrives.
But there’s something about Zoe that Claudia doesn’t like. Or trust.
And when she finds Zoe in her bedroom, Claudia’s anxiety turns to real fear …

My Review - 3 1/2

Some may remember the fascinating movie, The Hand that Rocks the Cradle, well Until You're Mine had the same suspenseful creepy feel, a great Psychological Thriller, I really enjoyed that.  There were numerous background stories also which kept you slightly in mysterious mode trying to piece it all together and they tie in nicely.

Someone is attacking pregnant women almost due in order to take their babies, brutal emotional murders.  Note - if you have a history of failed pregnancies or wanting children but unable to have them, I would probably choose not to read this.  I love that Samantha put the killer right in your face, this style made for a surprised ending.  Unfortunately I didn't like the character so much by the end I didn't care about the surprise but very well crafted.

There were so undertones that you picked up on.  This is the emotional adult style of Jodi Picoult and Kristin Hannah she similar has that I enjoy. There was family drama, balance of working mom career mom and detective work.  Also if you enjoyed Before I go to Sleep by S J Watson, you will enjoy this one.

The characters were quite disturbing in this book which made it an edge of your seat read.

Samantha Hayes has a way with pulling at your heart and feeling sorry for characters, she does good with building on their personalities and really setting the scenes. 

Until You're Mine is her 5th book.

Tell-Tale - My favourite of hers, 5 star
Someone Else's Son - 3 1/2

ARC Review - The Stranger You Know by Andrea Kane

Release date - September 24, 2013 - received from Netgalley


College-age girls with long red hair. Brutally murdered, they're posed like victims in a film noir. Each crime scene is eerily similar to the twisted fantasy of a serial offender now serving thirty years to life— a criminal brought to justice with the help of Forensic Instincts.

Call. Kill. Repeat. But the similarities are more than one psychopath's desire to outdo another. As more red-headed victims are added to the body count, it becomes clear that each one has been chosen because of a unique connection to Casey— a connection that grows closer and closer to her.

Now the Forensic Instincts team must race to uncover the identity of a serial killer before his ever-tightening circle of death closes in on Casey as the ultimate target.

As the stalker methodically moves in on his prey, his actions make one thing clear: he knows everything about Casey. And Casey realizes that this psychopathic won't stop until he makes sure she's dead.


My Review - 4

The Forensic Instincts team is by far my favourite detective group, yes they are unorthodox and sometimes use research tactics and get their answers illegally BUT to save lives, that is ok, right.......  They consists of a behaviorist, a techno-wizard, an intuitive and a former navy SEAL. If you watch the TV show Scandal, you will love these books.

Andrea Kane is one of my favourite suspense writers, I enjoy the characters and even if I guess some of the case there are always critical points I miss and are completely a surprise when revealed.

I enjoy this series because you can pick up any book and read as a stand alone but for the fans the building of relationships within the team and FBI connects and takes it to the next level, you become attached to the characters. 

Andrea Kane takes you on a thrill ride during the investigation, you will be on the edge of your seat as the team have to keep up or more lives will be lost.  This time the FI team know the killer's ultimate plan is Casey, their leader, and they are doing everything it takes to find him but the killer is always a step ahead of them and starts taunting Casey with telephone calls.  Is it a copy cat killer or is the killer being directed from an ex murderer that is locked up?

I did think for a moment, why this, did Andrea Kane make a mistake, hmmm, keep reading.  I got caught up in the story and forgot about my glimmer thought which in the end was the answer.  I love that, like a true crime story, that thought in the back of your head may actually break the case.

I do think the end was a little to clean.  Also, I can't believe her team would fall right into the killers plan but it just shows when tragedy happens all thoughts can be compromised when to close.

Another great story, I am loving being caught up with all of her new books and slowly catching up on her older.  I recommend you try her.


My Reviews from the other Forensic Instincts books - both 4 1/2

I highly recommend

The Girl Who Disappeared Twice
The Line Between Here and Gone

Waiting on Wednesday - Until You're Mine by Samantha Hayes

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event spotlighting upcoming releases we are highly anticipating. It is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Released in UK on June 20, 2013

 

I went to NetGalley and saw that this is available, requested it, it will be my next read.

You have something that someone else wants.

At any cost …

Claudia seems to have the perfect life.
She’s heavily pregnant with a much-wanted baby, she has a loving husband, and a beautiful home.
And then Zoe steps into her life. Zoe has come to help Claudia when her baby arrives.
But there’s something about Zoe that Claudia doesn’t like. Or trust.
And when she finds Zoe in her bedroom, Claudia’s anxiety turns to real fear …


I came across Samantha's books in 2011 and have read 2 out of her 4 so far, enjoyed both, here are my reviews.  Until You're Mine is her 5th book.

Tell-Tale
Someone Else's Son

Samantha has been amazing with agreeing to giveaways of her books for my blog also, I wish her continued success.  I can't wait to share my review with you.



 

Review - Fly Away by Kristin Hannah

Book Summary

Once, a long time ago, I walked down a night-darkened road called Firefly Lane, all alone, on the worst night of my life, and I found a kindred spirit. That was our beginning. More than thirty years ago. TullyandKate. You and me against the world. Best friends forever. But stories end, don’t they? You lose the people you love and you have to find a way to go on. . . .

Tully Hart has always been larger than life, a woman fueled by big dreams and driven by memories of a painful past. She thinks she can overcome anything until her best friend, Kate Ryan, dies. Tully tries to fulfill her deathbed promise to Kate---to be there for Kate’s children---but Tully knows nothing about family or motherhood or taking care of people.


Released - April 2013

My Review - 2 1/2

Firefly Lane is one of my favourite's by Kristin Hannah.  I thought this one was a let down to the fans and I hope new readers to her do not choose this one first or it may be there last.  My main complaint, far to repetitive, I understand memories assist those grieving but this was torture for us who have read Firefly Lane, plus very depressing.  Going from present to past was executed perfectly which shows how great an author she is but I don't think fans of Firefly Lane will feel the same as those that read this one first.  Many will not enjoy also because it is dark and gloomy right to the end, good comes out of it all but no one wants to read 400 pages of gloom.  I also enjoy dark emotional books but this just didn't do it for me.

I still enjoy the way Kristin H draws out her characters and I was happy to continue their journey but it did become easy not to pick up, a possible DNF lister.  I continued on because I love Kristin Hannah and I will continue with her books but this one, I can't recommend.  I am interested in why she even decided to bring these characters back now.

Every character grieved differently which is real life and I appreciated this delivery, the children, husband, parents and best friend.  The added bonus is that we only know Tully's mom is a dead beat but we get to meet her in Fly Away where she transitions from nickname Cloud to Dorothy. It also told the story of when you can prepare you do your best but it is never good enough because you are not the griever, such a shame really because Kate would not want her loved one's going through what they did.

I highly recommend Firefly Lane, a great friendship book.  I read it before blogging, I would still give it a 4 1/2.


 

Waiting on Wednesday - Andrea Kane, yaaaay

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event spotlighting upcoming releases we are highly anticipating. It is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

I love Andrea Kane's books so I am thrilled to see a book to look forward to reading.

Book Summary

Released date - September 24, 2013

College-age girls with long red hair. Brutally murdered, they're posed like victims in a film noir. Each crime scene is eerily similar to the twisted fantasy of a serial offender now serving thirty years to life— a criminal brought to justice with the help of Forensic Instincts.

Call. Kill. Repeat. But the similarities are more than one psychopath's desire to outdo another. As more red-headed victims are added to the body count, it becomes clear that each one has been chosen because of a unique connection to Casey— a connection that grows closer and closer to her.

Now the Forensic Instincts team must race to uncover the identity of a serial killer before his ever-tightening circle of death closes in on Casey as the ultimate target.
As the stalker methodically moves in on his prey, his actions make one thing clear: he knows everything about Casey. And Casey realizes that this psychopathic won't stop until he makes sure she's dead.


My Reviews from the other Forensic Instincts books - both 4 1/2

I highly recommend

The Girl Who Disappeared Twice
The Line Between Here and Gone

 

Monday - I expected more from my current reads.....

Sheila over at Book Journey has an incentive for networking so go over and have fun while adding to your 2013 Wishlist.
Thank you so much for all the kind words last week.  My mom is enjoying her new knee, she is walking along our street now, I can't remember the last time she did that, years for sure.

I always read 1 book........ well this week I am reading two.  I started with a favourite author, Kristin Hannah and just couldn't get into it so I started I Hunt Killers, a highly recommended one since I loved Dan Wells I am not a Serial Killer.  In my opinion, no where as good but I am only 20% in.  I interviewed Dan Wells, you can find that on my sidebar if interested.  I am hoping 1 wins out soon.

So far I am wishing she had stopped at Firefly Lane and I LOVE Kristin Hannah so this is hurting me right now.

 

 

 

I do not know what is next but I am trying my best NOT TO BUY ebooks and to read what I have already but it is not working.  Sigh, why is it so hard for us not to buy and read what we have?  :-)

Note - I have added the bloglovin follow widget on my sidebar.


Thanks for stopping by, enjoy the week.

 

Top Ten Books I've Read So Far In 2013

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created here at The Broke and the Bookish. This meme was created because we are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. We'd love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

Each week we will post a new Top Ten list complete with one of our bloggers answers. Everyone is welcome to join. All we ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND post a comment on our post with a link to your Top Ten Tuesday post to share with us and all those who are participating. If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. If you can't come up with ten, don't worry about it---post as many as you can!

 

I haven't read a lot this year so far so I am going with my Top Five

Adult Fiction

My Review 4 1/2 - This is one of the most emotional heart wrenching dark family horror stories I have ever read but with an alluring character.......
 

 

 

Psychological Thriller

My Review 5 - This is one of the best unreliable character driven books I have read. 

 

Novel

My Review 4 1/2 - The book had me engaged and very intrigued with the imaginary friend world but once the crime took place the book took on a suspenseful adventure......

 

 

 

Adult Fiction (not erotica)

My Review 5 - I loved reading about adults who find themselves, you are always growing and the unorthodox romance set this apart from the romance books you expect.

 

 

 

Thriller

My Review 4 1/2 - 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.

 

 

 

 

I look forward to networking and seeing your top reads so far.

 

 

 

Monday - Reading and Personal on goings.....

Sheila over at Book Journey has an incentive for networking so go over and have fun while adding to your 2013 Wishlist.

Personal on goings......

What a week it has been.  My mom got knee replacement and so I took the week off to be with her and assist.  She is doing amazing with being mobile every few hours and doing what the Dr. ordered, tomorrow is first check in. Staying home is harder than I thought, goodness me.

My best friend lives in the US, I miss her lots.  Another good friend/colleague leaves the island in a couple of weeks to go back home in Canada, very sad, my friends are moving overseas.

School is out this Wednesday, summer is truly officially here now.

And my full reading groove is not back but I am reading, I keep getting pulled to grief books, oh how I want this phase to be over.

Book Related

And on to the books before I ramble to long.

I reviewed this one, great book, I think everyone will enjoy. My Review 4 1/2

 

 

I just completed this, need to review this week, it was good also.

 

 

 

 

I think I may read this next....

 

 

 

 

If interested, my 2nd personal countdown post about moving into my home.  I will be sharing once a month.

 

 

 

 

 

Countdown with Marce - My Home in Bermuda

My 1st post was about my inspiration for bookshelves and book art.

9 months left, tenants move out April 1 and we will start transition, hopefully be in fully by May 1.  One weekend every month I will share something with you.

We celebrated on June 11 for officially signing the papers and receiving the key.  We went out to dinner, food was divine.

I love living in Bermuda but the down fall is finding furniture and then figuring out the international shipping.  Some companies have been amazing with sending me fabric swatches but of course making it clear they don't ship overseas.

Here are my choices for living room sectional sofa and bedroom.

From Room and Board - the sectional, in this chocolate colour.

Picture from Houzz

Modern Sectional Sofas

From High Fashion Home

I am in love with this bed, hands down I am getting a tufted bed.  The biggest decision is choosing upholstery or leather.  I was very keen on lush fabric but I have had a few say dust and mold collectors. 

What are your experience or thoughts?

 

These tiles around our master bedroom fireplace is a must, aren't they beautiful.

Picture from Houzz  

Contemporary Bedroom by Calgary Interior Designers & Decorators Bruce Johnson & Associates Interior Design

 

And this is my inspiration for the room walls, ceiling and chandelier.  I'm going with grey - light, medium and dark on ceiling.

Picture from Houzz

 

Contemporary Bedroom by Calgary Interior Designers & Decorators Natalie Fuglestveit Interior Design

Thanks for visiting Tea Time with Marce

 

Review - Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend by Matthew Green

Book Summary

I am not imaginary...

Budo is lucky as imaginary friends go. He's been alive for more than five years, which is positively ancient in the world of imaginary friends. But Budo feels his age and thinks constantly of the day when eight-year-old Max Delaney will stop believing in him. When that happens, Budo will disappear.

 

Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend is a triumph of courage and imagination that touches on the truths of life, love, and friendship as it races to a heartwarming . . . and heartbreaking conclusion.

 

My Review - 4 1/2

 

I really enjoyed this novel, very unique, Matthew Green has a special talent.  I enjoy stories that allow us to hear what the characters are thinking but not actually saying so to get a story told from the imaginary friends point of view, it was brilliant in my mind, very clever.

 

Imaginary friends usually have a short lifespan but not Budo, he is five and counting.  I believe Max to be autistic even though this was not confirmed.  Max and Budo have a great trusting relationship, when this is tested is for the best.  His mom and dad are good parents even though they are struggling with deciding to get Max help or as his dad says, wait, he is a late bloomer.  This book made teachers look wonderful, I appreciated this as early educators are usually the one's that are remembered the most.  The author is also a teacher which comes across while reading.  One teacher had a special interest in Max, she was his paraprofessional and this relationship became a crime.

 

The book had me engaged and very intrigued with the imaginary friend world but once the crime took place the book took on a suspenseful adventure, loved this.  We knew who done the crime but the when they will be caught, if they will be, by who was edge of your seat worthy, almost makes you want to skip ahead because you just have to know how it ends, very well done.

 

I loved how Budo was struggling through out the book on when imaginary friends and himself will die and that their person is in charge of your destiny with continuing to believe in them.

 

My only issue is it felt a little repetitive at times and I felt like the author considered changing who Budo's audience was.  When he was talking to other imaginary friends I got it but when he was speaking to the reader it felt patronizing, as if I was five.  eg. I feel like the elephant in the room.  This is an expression that means there is something two people know that is as big as an elephant but no one wants to talk about it.  On Kindle at 25%

 

Such an engaging read, I think many will enjoy this novel.

 

 

Teaser Tuesday - Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along!

Just do the following and go here to participate: Teaser Tuesday

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) 'teaser' sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

I am really enjoying this book.

I am tied to Max the same way that an astronaut is tied to his spaceship by hoses and wires.  If the spaceship blows up and the astronaut dies, that doesn't mean that the astronaut was imaginary.  It just means that his life support was cut off.

1% on Kindle


Book Summary

I am not imaginary...

Budo is lucky as imaginary friends go. He's been alive for more than five years, which is positively ancient in the world of imaginary friends. But Budo feels his age and thinks constantly of the day when eight-year-old Max Delaney will stop believing in him. When that happens, Budo will disappear.

Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend is a triumph of courage and imagination that touches on the truths of life, love, and friendship as it races to a heartwarming . . . and heartbreaking conclusion.

 

Start Over: Create the life YOU want by Mary Jaksch

Book Summary

This book will give you a blueprint on how to start over and find happiness.

When change happens it life, it's easy to get stuck in negativity and self-blame. "Start Over" will show you how to overcome fear, negativity, self-blame, and inertia order to move ahead and find serenity, success, and happiness.

It will help you to come through changes in your life, and make starting over your greatest opportunity.

Think of how a caterpillar finally becomes a butterfly – this book will inspire you to find your wings and learn to fly.

My Review - 5

You may remember, in Feb/March I was struggling with reading and realized it was life over all and I was really overwhelmed without a plan.  I joined a 100 day happiness project to boost the start and Start Over really made me 'check' myself.

For my review, I have decided to share amazing quotes Mary Jaksch used throughout the book to motivate the reader.  It is a good work book, short but with a punch.

Favourite Quotes

"Out of difficulties grow miracles." - Jean De La Bruyere

When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it. - Henry Ford

Understanding is the first step to acceptance, and only with acceptance can there be recovery.            -Joanne Kathleen Rowling

What is to give light must first endure burning.  - Victor Frankl

Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in getting up every time we do.  - Confucious

The ultimate measure of a person is not where they stand in moments of comfort and convenience, but where they stand at times of challenge and controversy.  - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.                     
- Ralph Waldo Emerson