It's Monday - Where did March go....

Sheila over at Book Journey has an incentive for networking so go over and have fun while adding to your 2014 Wishlist.

I'm currently reading and loving

Book Summary

Dear Dr. Owens,

If you are reading this letter, I am dead and I would be most grateful if you could solve my murder… 

Forensic pathologist Dr. Samantha Owens thought life was finally returning to normal after she suffered a terrible personal loss. Settling into her new job at Georgetown University, the illusion is shattered when she receives a disturbing letter from a dead man imploring her to solve his murder. There's only one catch. Timothy Savage's death was so obviously the suicide of a demented individual that the case has been closed. 

When Sam learns Savage left a will requesting she autopsy his body, she feels compelled to look into the case. Sam's own postmortem discovers clear signs that Savage was indeed murdered. And she finds DNA from a kidnapped child whose remains were recovered years earlier. 

The investigation takes Sam into the shadows of a twenty-year-old mystery that must be solved to determine what really happened to Timothy Savage. Nothing about the case makes sense but it is clear someone is unwilling to let anyone, especially Samantha Owens, discover the truth.

I reviewed Four Friends, just lovely, my review - 4 1/2

I also finally reviewed this one - 3

I am a mood reader, but right now I am considering reading this.

Can you believe March is over and Spring, it is a laugh, our global weather is crazy.

Review - Four Friends by Robyn Carr

Book Summary

Robyn Carr comes the story of four friends determined to find their stride. Ultimately, they'll discover what it means to be a wife, mother, lover, friend…and most important: your true self.

Gerri can't decide what's more devastating: learning her rock-solid marriage has big cracks, or the anger she feels as she tries to repair them. Always the anchor for friends and her three angst-ridden teenagers, it's time to look carefully at herself. The journey is more than revealing—it's transforming.

Andy doesn't have a great track record with men, and she's come to believe that a lasting love is out of reach. When she finds herself attracted to her down-to-earth contractor—a man without any of the qualities that usually appeal to her—she questions everything she thought she wanted in life.

Sonja's lifelong pursuit of balance is shattered when her husband declares he's through with her New Age nonsense and walks out. There's no herbal tonic or cleansing ritual that can restore her serenity—or her sanity.


Miraculously, it's BJ, the reserved newcomer to Mill Valley, who steps into their circle and changes everything. The woman with dark secrets opens up to her neighbors, and together they get each other back on track, stronger as individuals and unfaltering as friends.



My Review 4 1/2


This was a great friendship story, highly recommend if you have a book club of close friends or want a reminder to appreciate the friends you have.  I enjoyed each character and following their lives, they all had a special voice, all very different which we made it easy to follow.  Robyn Carr's writing style reminded me of a favourite author, Kristin Hannah.  This wasn't emotionally painful, just genuine female heartache with family, career and friend life. I didn't identify with any but would have been friends with them.

Sonja made me laugh the most.  She had an emotional break which I hate to say had me laughing and crying in buckets, she seriously had a meltdown but it was the funniest scenes to me.  Before she had the meltdown I was laughing saying 'she is hot mess, totally a nut'.  The thing is her friends thought this also, but it was why they loved her, it was sad to see her break but I loved how Robyn dealt with her husband, friends and the new Sonja's outlook on it, brilliant.

One thing about love and life I have found is that it is never as perfect as it may seem and you should just enjoy the moments.  The emotional wrecks the friends had to deal with, mainly marriage problems was real and most had the rug pulled from under them issues.  The story made me say enjoy life, each moment and to face the uncomfortable conversations as they may save your marriage and happiness.

Being a parent is highly overrated to me, lol, there is no damn handbook that can ever help you with the crap that you have to face but we have to learn how to do it with love.  I appreciated all the avenues Robyn Carr took to reveal the journey the women faced. Parenting, spousal commitments, adultery, abandonment, gay marriage and children, destructive behaviour and overall decisions in order not to lose yourself throughout the madness of life.

The best part was this book is for the women in their 30's pushing 40, I loved to read about women my age, the reality was more genuine and realistic to me.  I have also been really blessed with my friendships.  Two friends have been in my life since nursery school and we all go 38 this year, our friendship continues to grow, very fortunate.

I was surprised I was asked to review this as I usually go for the mystery, gory crime books but it was perfect timing, my mood called for this and I loved it.  My first introduction to Robyn Carr, I will definitely read her books again.



A favourite quote

....grandmother used to say, 'Your kids don't belong to you - they're only on loan for you to raise.  They have their own lives, their own destinies.  So you better get out of the way.'  Kindle at 70%


Can you recommend any women's fiction novels with over 30 or 40 year old women?

Review - House of Glass by Sophie Littlefield

Book Summary

Jen Glass has worked hard to achieve the ideal life: a successful career, a beautiful home in an affluent suburb of Minneapolis, a seemingly perfect family. But inside the Glass house, everything is spinning out of Jen's control. Her marriage to her husband, Ted, is on the brink of collapse; her fifteen-year-old daughter grows more distant each day; and her five-year-old son barely speaks a word. Jen is on the verge of breaking, but nothing could have prepared her for what is to come….

On an evening that was supposed to be like any other, two men force their way into the Glasses' home, but what begins as a common robbery takes an even more terrifying turn. Held hostage in the basement for more than forty-eight hours, Jen and Ted must put aside their differences if they have any hope of survival. They will stop at nothing to keep their family safe—even if it means risking their own lives. A taut and emotional tale of a family brought together by extraordinary forces, House of Glass is a harrowing exploration of the lengths a mother will go to protect her children, and the power of tragedy to teach us what truly matters.

My Review - 3

I love a great edge of your seat thriller, which this could have been more of but it was to much novel like with a touch of thriller, just not enough, it missed the edginess. I enjoyed all the characters but I found the storyline with them got to a great tension point early but stayed at that level throughout which in the end didn't meet my expectations.

I know it happens in real life and the inspiration was from a Connecticut intrusion but it still feels unbelievable to me, someone being held hostage in their own home, a whole family, good neighbourhood hmmm.  It brings up the question, do we really pay attention to family, friends, neighbours, maybe a couple of days, no.  Initially I was shocked and loved it, thought the first half of the book was strong.  Once I found out why they were chosen and they weren't professionals, it went downhill for me.  Terrifying intruders with opposite personalities became a risk for all, not only having to watch the family but not trusting each other is where it all fell apart.  Again, should have added tension but just seemed weird and out of place to me.  

Survival was the goal and I was waiting for the parents to make some decisions but the teenager daughter seemed to think for all, what a way to mature.  I was waiting for the motherly instinct to kick in and was just let down.  I think I just had expectations that unfortunately just were not met.  I also enjoyed the story of the 4 year old, he has selective mutism.  How this came together throughout the story was always 'something' that just didn't make sense to me.

The climax normally would have been brilliant for me, violence and the unexpected taken all the way, great stuff.   Again for me I was just over the story by then and didn't believe, I put the parents and intruders in the same category, dumb.  Am I being judgmental, absolutely. 

I would try another by Sophie Littlefield, this one just didn't work for me.

Monday - What I read, reviewed and will read

Sheila over at Book Journey has an incentive for networking so go over and have fun while adding to your 2014 Wishlist.

I'm currently reading and enjoying this novel

Brief Book Summary

A story of four friends determined to find their stride. Ultimately, they’ll discover what it means to be a wife, mother, lover, friend...and most important: your true self.


I reviewed this one, wow, great book - Review here

I had a small discussion here about book hangovers, how would you describe yours?

I am not sure what will be next but Harlan Coben has been many places this week and a long time on my TBR list.  Will start with this one.

What have you reviewed and currently reading?

Book Hangover - how would you describe yours?

Book Hangovers.........

How often do you get a book hangover, are you a once a week hangover, hmm mmm, book hangover read that is or just a couple a year?

How would you describe your book hangovers?

I have had the book hangovers that when you finish you can't stop talking about, like the best party ever, nothing like what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, nope, you want to have a panel discussion in front of an audience kind of hangover, being loud and to some, obnoxious.

The main book for me that comes to mind is The Manufactured Identity by Heath Sommer, I can still get excited over this book and I read it 4 years ago, now this is a great memorable book hangover. It was a trilogy, loved it, I also had an interview with the author which you can find on my sidebar.

Then I have had the book hangover that I wish I didn't have.  The book that I wished I hadn't read and wasted hours of reading for, it really just hurt my head.  The one for me is a popular one.  Still Missing by Chevy Stevens.  I had a venting/discussion post about the book - go here if interested.  I have to say Chevy Stevens did a great job because I can still remember details and get frustrated with a hangover if I let myself.

Unfortunately, these book hangovers sometimes create reading slumps for me, which are torture.

So how about you, tell me about your book hangovers and memorable ones if you choose.

Have a great weekend, and no hangovers allowed only amazing book ones :-)

Review - Unravel by Calia Read

Book Summary

Six months ago, I was happy. I was simply Naomi Carradine. 

One month ago, I was admitted into a psych ward. 

Yesterday, Lachlan visited me. Kissed me. And told me that I’m starting to lose my mind. 

Hours later, Max haunted my thoughts, reminding me I’m not crazy and that he needs my help. 

A few minutes ago, I drifted further from reality, trying to unravel the past. 

And now...everyone thinks I’m insane. But, I know he's real, and I know he needs me. 

Do you believe me?

My Review 4 1/2

When I came across this on Amazon I just had to read it, the summary and cover draw you right in, I was completely intrigued.  This is labeled Novel Adult genre which I haven't completed figured out. (Have you?) I will recommend to all Psychological Thriller fans that do not mind a few good detailed sex scenes. Warning - there is an incest rape scene, please proceed with caution when reading this amazing book.

One of my favourite styles of a character is having the unreliable narrator, wow wow wow.  I seem to read an amazing book every year with this style, so many great books I can recommend but not during the review as it will give away delicate details, just go into the book knowing less.  This book kept me up late, totally unputdownable. It takes me a week to read a book and this took me 3 days, reading at lunch, late nights, while watching a movie with daughter (naughty I know) I just didn't want to be torn from the rock climbing book journey of the characters and miss the view at the end.

Naomi and best friend Lana.  New love Max and first love Lachlan.  I was so taken away, the characters captured my emotions and didn't let go.  Early on I was trying to figure it out, it is what I love to do, I didn't want to believe and thought it has to be the reason why but the ending still was shocking, I had a little but not the full mystery and it was brilliant.  Seriously I felt like I was floating on a cloud that was surrounded with lightning, a total living on the edge moment.

This doesn't get a 5 star because I wanted more, Calia Read answered the important questions but the supporting characters played a huge role and I wanted closure and the person that abused to receive justice.

My favourite genuine heartbreaking but amazing scene was when Lachlan's mom was talking to him and Naomi overheard it all, memorable and real. The chapters each had a word that marked the importance of the part of the story, very nice touch.

This amazing quote by Paul Auster which I think is perfect for the book but also for us as readers and book bloggers.  "When a person is lucky enough to live inside a story, to live inside an imaginary world, the pains of this world disappear.  For as long as the story goes on, reality no longer exists."

Favourite Quotes

But never does a kiss combust into something so powerful that even your heart feels it.  Every touch, every moan, every breath becomes electrified.  Kindle 20%

It's the fact that she has a level of need for you that is so intense and powerful that nothing can shake it.  I just don't think you realize how much of yourself you'll have to give to be with her.  Kindle 83%

What I have read and reviewed - It's Monday

Sheila over at Book Journey has an incentive for networking so go over and have fun while adding to your 2014 Wishlist.

I'm currently reading and loving it

Book Summary

Six months ago, I was happy. I was simply Naomi Carradine.

One month ago, I was admitted into a psych ward.

Yesterday, Lachlan visited me. Kissed me. And told me that I’m starting to lose my mind.

Hours later, Max haunted my thoughts, reminding me I’m not crazy and that he needs my help.

A few minutes ago, I drifted further from reality, trying to unravel the past.

And now...everyone thinks I’m insane. But, I know he's real, and I know he needs me.

Do you believe me?


I reviewed Book 3, loved this trilogy - I recommend reading in order, start with Faking It

I need to review this one

I also reviewed

What did you read last week?  Do you find reviews are being commented on less than usual?

Review - She Has Your Eyes by Elisa Lorello

Book Summary

Andi and David have settled happily into Andi's Northampton home, but David wants more.  He wants them to get married.  Their discussion is put on hold when Wylie, a fifteen-year-old girl, shows up in their backyard, bearing news that takes David's mind off the future and sends it spiraling into the past.  Reeling from David's news, Andi receives a startling announcement of her own, one that leads to a relationship with her estranged mother.  As Andi and her mother get closer and Whylie weaves her way into their lives, Andi finds solace in an old comfort: her ex-fiance.  With the past threatening to eclipse their future, the timing for a wedding is all wrong.  But if Andi knows anything about timing, it's that there's no time to waste.

My Review - 4

Published - February 11, 2014

I absolutely loved Faking It, it was on my 2013 Top Ten list.  I finished it and downloaded Ordinary World immediately to read, something I never do.  I loved the continuation of characters but Book 2 wasn't what I expected overall.  Now finishing book 3, She has your Eyes, I feel like it was a great complete story and I am happy to have read more of the amazing characters.  I love the story of Andi and David, so much more than a romance. 

This is a trilogy that can only be fully appreciated by reading in order.  The author was great on giving snippets of the story for the fans of the trilogy but not details for a new reader to really appreciate their journey.  We see Andi really come into her own, having to embrace the changes of life.  I loved that the books gave great character building with a new adult issue in each, they all felt completely different.  Andi doesn't like change, it freezes her but with numerous life issues coming at her the same time she almost turns her back on the one who she loves, David, and this causes a ripple affect of trust issues.  Sometimes looking at our past helps us to embrace our future without regrets, she had to learn this the hard way.  The end of the trilogy in one word was about Family.

Andi is a widow and David has accepted everything about Andi and Sam's life.  I was annoyed with the fact that Andi continued to live in the past and continue to think about Sam and doubt everything, comparing everything to her life with Sam.  It made sense at the end when we understood Andi's issue with change, Sam was her comfort through all the change but at times it felt infuriating.This is a great adult novel series, I highly recommend, I give the trilogy as a whole a 5. There are not many stories out there about the challenges adults face, especially the over 30 age group, when the reality of adult responsibilities hits home, that was a joy. Elisa Lorello has a great way to make you laugh out loud, just cute, genuine writing, I am a fan.  You can read this one as a stand alone but I would say to enjoy the full picture, read in order.

My Review of Book 1 - Faking It - 5 star

Ordinary World, Book 2 - 3 1/2 star (I didn't review)

Thank you Nancy for allowing me to be part of the Fictionella Tour.

Top Ten Popular Authors I've Never Read

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!

Here are my Top Ten Popular Authors I've Never Read - what do you recommend?

I have put in order of most personal interest, they are all on my TBR list.

Jussi Adler-Olsen

known for

Kate Morton

known for

S. J. Bolton

known for

Carlos Ruiz Zafon

known for

Tami Hoag

wow, so many books

Harlan Coben

again, so many books

Laura Childs

known for

Laura Lippman

known for

Karen White

known for

Pam Jenoff

known for

Any surprises to you and I should read before mid year?

Review - Sins and Needles by Karina Halle

Book Summary (Book 1)


My Review - 3 1/2

I think this cover is stunning, that is what drew me to this book first, then it also was on many Top Ten favourite lists of  2013.  Overall, it wasn't my cup of tea and I have been thinking about it for a couple of week on how to review.

I did enjoy the characters in the book, they were strong.  Angelina Jolie type - Ellie (Tomb Raider mixed with Mr. and Mrs. Smith) meets Johnny Depp type - Camden (Edward Scissorhands).  Ellie is a con artist and Camden a tattoo artist.  They knew each other in high school and meet again when Ellie is running, she goes back to her hometown and meets up with the now gorgeous Camden.  Both have similar lifestyles they want to run from, she is running from drug lords and he wants to run from a mob that is blackmailing him.

The tension in the story was done well and captured your attention, it just didn't have me sitting on the edge of my seat, almost can see the outcomes of issues even when they were ridiculous. Ellie is a train wreck but I had to remind myself her life of being a con artists was like a drug addict, she was addicted and scared of what life would mean being 'clean', she was afraid of the unknown.

The action and emotional tension makes for a great story but it felt like a whole lot of nothing at the end.  The issue for me is that this is a series and I am a stand alone fan, so the fact that you don't get anywhere, you have to wait for sequels etc just doesn't do it for me.

The steamy scenes were hot, raw emotional sex, not romantic in the vanilla/normal sense if that is an issue for you.  Again, I actually liked Ellie and Camden together, dysfunctional but loving couple if you can call them that. Maybe it was a little ghetto/trashy for me, like watching a reality show were you were embarrassed for the cast as they were making absolute fools of themselves, but it is not funny.

I am on the fence about reading the next in the series.  I want to know what is next but do I want to have to read 2-3 more books, very doubtful.

I did enjoy the writing of Karina Halle and think I will love a stand alone story by her.

Memorable Quote

We all make our own paths in life.  Everyone we meet, everything we do, it changes us.  It makes us who we are.  And, if we're lucky, we're given the change to make things right again."  Kindle at 85%

WoW - She has your Eyes by Elisa Lorello

Book Summary

Andi and David have settled happily into Andi's Northampton home, but David wants more.  He wants them to get married.  Their discussion is put on hold when Wylie, a fifteen-year-old girl, shows up in their backyard, bearing news that takes David's mind off the future and sends it spiraling into the past.  Reeling from David's news, Andi receives a startling announcement of her own, one that leads to a relationship with her estranged mother.  As Andi and her mother get closer and Whylie weaves her way into their lives, Andi finds solace in an old comfort: her ex-fiance.  With the past threatening to eclipse their future, the timing for a wedding is all wrong.  But if Andi knows anything about timing, it's that there's no time to waste.

My Review - Faking It - 5 star

Ordinary World - 3 1/2 star (I didn't review)

Some of you may remember, I absolutely loved Faking It, it was on my 2014 Top Ten list.  I finished in and downloaded Ordinary World immediately to read, something I never do.  I loved the continuation of characters but Book 2 wasn't what I expected overall.

I am very excited to read the follow up - She has your Eyes.  Review is scheduled for March 6.  I recommend reading in order.

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 2014 Wishlist.

I will be starting this one today, my first by Sophie Littlefield

Book Summary

Jen Glass has worked hard to achieve the ideal life: a successful career, a beautiful home in an affluent suburb of Minneapolis, a seemingly perfect family. But inside the Glass house, everything is spinning out of Jen's control. Her marriage to her husband, Ted, is on the brink of collapse; her fifteen-year-old daughter grows more distant each day; and her five-year-old son barely speaks a word. Jen is on the verge of breaking, but nothing could have prepared her for what is to come….

On an evening that was supposed to be like any other, two men force their way into the Glasses' home, but what begins as a common robbery takes an even more terrifying turn. Held hostage in the basement for more than forty-eight hours, Jen and Ted must put aside their differences if they have any hope of survival. They will stop at nothing to keep their family safe—even if it means risking their own lives. A taut and emotional tale of a family brought together by extraordinary forces, House of Glass is a harrowing exploration of the lengths a mother will go to protect her children, and the power of tragedy to teach us what truly matters.


I completed and am working on review, maybe this week

Last week I reviewed these two

Personal Note

We move into our new house in April so we flew to NC to come to Furniture Land South, OMG, what an amazing experience.  I totally recommend for anyone decorating their home with all new furniture.

 

 

And if you watch the show Tanked, the fish tank they did looks great in person too.

 

 

 

Review - Comfort of Lies by Randy Susan Meyers

Summary from Amazon

Five years ago, Tia fell into obsessive love with a man she could never have. Married, and the father of two boys, Nathan was unavailable in every way. When she became pregnant, he disappeared, and she gave up her baby for adoption.

Five years ago, Caroline, a dedicated pathologist, reluctantly adopted a baby to please her husband. She prayed her misgivings would disappear; instead, she’s questioning whether she’s cut out for the role of wife and mother.

Five years ago, Juliette considered her life ideal: she had a solid marriage, two beautiful young sons, and a thriving business. Then she discovered Nathan’s affair. He promised he’d never stray again, and she trusted him.

But when Juliette intercepts a letter to her husband from Tia that contains pictures of a child with a deep resemblance to her husband, her world crumbles once more. How could Nathan deny his daughter? And if he’s kept this a secret from her, what else is he hiding? Desperate for the truth, Juliette goes in search of the little girl. And before long, the three women and Nathan are on a collision course with consequences that none of them could have predicted.

My Review - 4 1/2

I really enjoyed this story, genuine feel to it but only if you have been through it as one of the women in the book, a friend, mom or counselor.  Those that have huge judgments against anything to do with an affair I recommend to stay away from this book, I don't see many being able to enjoy the writing and story without hating it if the topic is a trigger for you.

I loved the title Comfort of Lies, I didn't think it was so much the affair which was an obvious lie and not even the white lies but rather the waiting for the right time to divulge information necessary for loved ones to make important decisions, which definitely is a comfort at the time for the one withholding the information. 

I most understood the story of Caroline, she was the woman who adopted the baby girl created from the affair.  She wanted to please her husband and wanted to be the perfect career mom without having to give up her career.  She had ill feelings on giving quality time to her daughter and doing 'mommy' things.  I think some moms will have a hard time understanding her thoughts but I found them to be honest and when she finally gave enough of those thoughts to her husband, he supported her through them.

Tia who had the affair, loved Nathan, he was her everything and she knew he shouldn't have been but he was a real 'true love', to her.  I understood this love too, love shadowed her thoughts, she didn't think, love took over.  I understood why she decided to give her daughter up for adoption, this was explained well.  Tia's journey was intriguing, I got it and appreciated her character.

Juliette was the most complex to me.  She had what some would call a charmed life, recognised and appreciated it.  Her husband was honest about the affair when he ended it and she worked through it, not easily but she did until the letter arrives saying he has a 5 year old daughter.  Juliette's reaction was extreme but again I got it, when the rug is pulled from under you, do you really know how you will fall or if you will balance without falling.  You can say how you will react but you never really know.

Great storyline, I really enjoyed every moment.  All the women connect at some point because Tia chose an open adoption, we learn a lot about this choice.  My favourite is that it was told by the multiple characters, the women and Nathan, I love this style, it was done perfectly.

 Memorable Quote

"The philosophy of comfort does not take into consideration several very important factors, one being that open adoption should not be based on making the adults involved comfortable; rather it should be about providing for the needs of the child."


My Review of her debut - The Murderer's Daughters - I gave it 3 1/2  - I saw huge growth with her writing, she used the style of using multiple narrators again but in Comfort of Lies it was perfect.