We Are Unprepared -Meg Little Reilly

"Meg Little Reilly places a young couple in harm’s way—both literally and emotionally—as they face a cataclysmic storm that threatens to decimate their Vermont town, and the Eastern Seaboard in her penetrating debut novel, WE ARE UNPREPARED. Ash and Pia move from hipster Brooklyn to rustic Vermont in search of a more authentic life. But just months after settling in, the forecast of a superstorm disrupts their dream. Fear of an impending disaster splits their tight-knit community and exposes the cracks in their marriage. Where Isole was once a place of old farm families, rednecks and transplants, it now divides into paranoid preppers, religious fanatics and government tools, each at odds about what course to take.  WE ARE UNPREPARED is an emotional journey, a terrifying glimpse into the human costs of our changing earth and, ultimately, a cautionary tale of survival and the human..." I'm finished and thank goodness for that. If I had had to read anymore of this writing I would have plucked out my eyeballs. I'm not sure why this book is getting so many rave reviews...all I can think is that the reviewers connect more with these protagonist's,l the style of writting and maybe I am just too old to understand, empathize with or connect with protagonist's like this. (selfish, silly, stupid, whinny, suffering a variety of mental illnesses, entitled, bratty and did I already say stupid? etc ) Since the first third or more of the book was back-story and very boring except to lay the foundation of the Ash and Pias' flaws. This was a good thing, because it explains so much later on in the book. The back-story also explains that this couple had just been playing at being Vermonter's, and nearly deserved what they got. Yes, they were THAT unlikable. The next third of the book just---I don't even know if I could explain it ---just bogs down. Slow and clumsily written. The sad thing is that the concept was such a good one, but in my opinion the author tried to be too literary (fancy-shmansy)with it. To much introspection on the male protagonists part, not enough battening down the hatches preparing and waiting for THE STORM! The last 1/4 of the book was almost worth the time spent on it. I'm from New England and this book was insulting to me. *ARC supplied by publisher

We Are Unprepared -Meg Little Reilly

"Meg Little Reilly places a young couple in harm’s way—both literally and emotionally—as they face a cataclysmic storm that threatens to decimate their Vermont town, and the Eastern Seaboard in her penetrating debut novel, WE ARE UNPREPARED. Ash and Pia move from hipster Brooklyn to rustic Vermont in search of a more authentic life. But just months after settling in, the forecast of a superstorm disrupts their dream. Fear of an impending disaster splits their tight-knit community and exposes the cracks in their marriage. Where Isole was once a place of old farm families, rednecks and transplants, it now divides into paranoid preppers, religious fanatics and government tools, each at odds about what course to take.  WE ARE UNPREPARED is an emotional journey, a terrifying glimpse into the human costs of our changing earth and, ultimately, a cautionary tale of survival and the human..." I'm finished and thank goodness for that. If I had had to read anymore of this writing I would have plucked out my eyeballs. I'm not sure why this book is getting so many rave reviews...all I can think is that the reviewers connect more with these protagonist's,  the style of writing and maybe I am just too old to understand, empathize with or connect with protagonist's like this. (selfish, silly, stupid, whiny, possibly suffering a variety of mental illnesses, entitled, bratty and did I already say stupid? etc ) Since the first third or more of the book was back-story and very boring except to lay the foundation of the Ash and Pias' flaws. This was a good thing, because it explains so much later on in the book. The back-story also explains that this couple had just been playing at being Vermonter's, and nearly deserved what they got. Yes, they were THAT unlikable. The next third of the book just---I don't even know if I could explain it ---just bogs down. Slow and clumsily written. The sad thing is that the concept was such a good one, but in my opinion the author tried to be too literary (fancy-shmansy)with it. To much introspection on the male protagonists part, not enough battening down the hatches preparing and waiting for THE STORM! The last 1/4 of the book was almost worth the time spent on it. I'm from New England and this book was insulting to me. *ARC supplied by publisher

I'm Still Here (Je Suis Là) by Clelie Avit

 

Elsa is spending her thirtieth birthday in the hospital bed where she's lain for months after a devastating mountain accident. Unable to speak, see, or move, she appears to be in an irreversible coma, but her friends and family don't know that she's regained the power of hearing.
That day, a stranger named Thibault enters the hospital to visit his brother, who's just been injured in an accident that killed two young girls. He instead seeks refuge in the room where Elsa lies, and quickly becomes intrigued by the young woman, returning day after day to sit beside her, convinced that his words are being heard.
As their connection grows, the doctors deliver a devastating blow to her family. Is it possible that Thibault knows something no one else does, and can he reach her before it's too late?

This was one of the most amazing books I have read this year (one of them mind you!) I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a wonderful love story interspersed with what can only be called a horror story. Elsa is in the hospital in a coma and has been for months. Nobody believes that she will be coming out of this coma. She is going to be taken off of her life saving equipment. What everyone doesn't know, is that she can hear every word that is said. Thibault is at the hospital NOT visiting his brother who has broken the law. To escape his family Thibault ends up in Elsa's room...and he talks to her in a 'real' way (if you know what I mean). A love story erupts from this unusual meeting. This story is only told from Elsa and Thibaults perspective, with Thibault doing the talking and Elsa doing listening. This was a richly told tale, was a very fast read (you just won't be able to put it down until you find out how it ends) This is a very short book and I am amazed that the author was able to fit so much into so many in such a short time. *ARC supplied by publisher.

The Two Mrs. Grenvilles

           Book Description: When Navy ensign Billy Grenville, heir to a vast New York fortune, sees showgirl Ann Arden on the dance floor, it is love at first sight. And much to the horror of Alice Grenville--the indomitable family matriarch--he marries her. Ann wants desperately to be accepted by high society and become the well-bred woman of her fantasies. But a gunshot one rainy night propels Ann into a notorious spotlight--as the two Mrs. Grenvilles enter into a conspiracy of silence that will bind them together for as long as they live....

I read this in hardcover form many years ago and I can certainly say that my tastes really must have grown a lot! What should have been a very interesting look at a 'Cinderella' relationship, quickly became a tedious look at the excesses of post war America of the ultra-rich. I could not stand smarmy Billy, his Mother (can we say trite?) who excelled at being the martyr and Ann who was also a trite character and highly unlikable. I know that Ann was supposed to be written this way, but couldn't she had at least one likable characteristic? Still, this was an interesting look at how the other half lived at that period in time.

All the Ugly and Wonderful Things by Bryn Greenwood

Book Description:  As the daughter of a meth dealer, Wavy knows not to trust people, not even her own parents. Struggling to raise her little brother, eight-year-old Wavy is the only responsible "adult" around. She finds peace in the starry Midwestern night sky above the fields behind her house. One night everything changes when she witnesses one of her father's thugs, Kellen, a tattooed ex-con with a heart of gold, wreck his motorcycle. What follows is a powerful and shocking love story between two unlikely people that asks tough questions, reminding us of all the ugly and wonderful things that life has to offer.

If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck -then it is most likely is a duck. In my opinion this book is *only* about violence and pedophilia no matter how wonderfully it was written. Yes Kellen and Wavy waited, yes the book was ultimately about love - but still, 13 years old? And it WAS a wonderfully written book, and it even made me cry in parts -so it did hit me emotionally. I realize that this book took me out of my comfort zone just because it was about people and types of people I would never know. (drug dealers, runners, thugs and drug manufacturers) The look into their lives was quite interesting. Lastly, I read to take myself out of my real life. I read for entertainment and I found this book fascinating but not entertaining. It was a depressing read and I'm so sorry that the publisher chose not to explain what this book really was about -if they had I would never have chosen it. *ARC supplied by publisher.

Murder in the Mountains

 

Overview
When the peace and serenity of the Rocky Mountains is tainted by murder, Jennifer feels she must do everything she can to find the murderer clear the good name of her resort. With her close friend, Clint, she works to unravel the story of a gold heist, a mysterious historical society, and foul murder. They will have to bend the rules and call in favors if they are going to catch the murderer before he gets away.

I am truly trying to understand how this book came to have so many positive a glowing reviews. I know that everyone has differing likes and dislikes, but this book had so many flaws that I just don't gt it.

Luckily it was a very quick read. Cozy it was for sure, but the main characters are just so unlikable -bossy, petulant, lewd (and not in a good way) and unrealistic.

The fact that Clint is supposed to be a 'Christian' was mention many times, yet his actions spoke differently. 

Clint and Jennifer (obviously the main characters)take over the police investigation in a blatant and unbelievable way. I know that this is supposed to be a small town, but the actions of the police chief are unbelievable.

Lastly, the author has Clint make a bit of a speech about publishing and editing and the fact that poor editing and lack of editing is making the print media go down the tubes. Yet this author made so many truly horrible editing mistakes that I just can't take him seriously as an author.
For example he talks about an ARMORED car as being an ARMED car and does this several times until a chapter or two later when he then changes ARMED to ARMORED.

I really wanted to throw this book against the wall , but I was afraid I'd break my e-reader.

Lycan Unleashed by Shannon Curtis

Book Description:

"REVENGE IS SWEET, BUT SO IS DESIRE
On the hunt for his alpha's killer, Lycan Matthias Marshall is willing to go to any lengths to end his quest. Even if that means kidnapping the enemy. Well-trained tracker Trinity Caldwell can take him back to her pack and their treacherous leader. Yet convincing Trinity to betray her kind won't be easy. Nor will denying the pull his body feels toward hers.
Matthias has buried his heart along with his mate. Desire…love…have no part in his plan. But when Trinity risks her life for his, Matthias must decide how much vengeance means to him."

I really don't know if I'm going to be able to let you know exactly why I did not like this book. I think what mainly got to me, was that it was so formulaic. I know these kinds of romances from these kinds of publisher's are supposed to be. This is what keeps the readers very happy.
This book will do perfectly if you are looking for an 'instant attraction of the Romeo and Juliet type' story. This is very popular and I can kind of see why...it just doesn't work for me.

In this book out is even more difficult because you have to really go without a lot of information as the author is building her world -since I couldn't finish this book, I don't know if the author ever succeeds in her world building. 

The so-called romance (at the beginning) was your typical 'she's über hot I got to have her panting under me/he's über sexy with a big...well you know, I don't know why I feel this way but I MUST have him now). You get the picture.

The story was a little far-fetched too, but if you are looking for a sexy werewolf fighting and body fluid type book...have fun, because I think you'll like this more than I did.

ARC provided by publisher

Texas Rebels - Phoenix by Linda Warren

THE COWBOY'S LAST RIDE  Once he gets over the shock of finding out he's a father, Phoenix Rebel is ready to do right by his toddler son. The gorgeous barrel racer he runs into on the circuit could add a much-needed woman's touch. There's just one problem. She's a McCray—a Rebel's worst enemy.
Rosemary could gaze into Phoenix's warm brown eyes forever. And helping the sexy bull rider and his adorable two-year-old has ignited a fierce yearning in Rosie. Somehow she and Phoenix have to find a way to create their own family—even if it means leaving everyone else they love behind…

This was a very 'Western' and a very  comforting book in that it gives you exactly what you expect,a happily-ever-after no matter what the odds.  And in this story the odds are NOT in the hero and heroines favor.

This is a story that has been told a thousand times- Phoenix the hero of our story and youngest of the Rebel family has been caught fathering a child.

Rosemary McCray the arch enemy of the Rebel family (they've been feuding for decades) comes to Phoenixs' help, albeit reluctantly. Suddenly love is in the air.  There is a mild sex scene but nothing to offend anyone.

There are a number of pitfalls and surprises in the way of the happy couple -but what irked me the most how nobody listens to anyone else and how childish Phoenix was about not accepting help from his family.

Still it was a quick and satisfying Western read.

*ARC supplied by publisher

Tall Tail (Mrs. Murphy #25) by Rita Mae Brown

"At any moment a perfect summer day in Crozet, Virginia—nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountains—might turn stormy and tempestuous, as Harry knows too well when a squall suddenly sweeps in. In a blink, Harry’s pickup nearly collides with a careening red car that then swerves into a ditch. Harry recognizes the dead driver slumped over the vehicle’s steering wheel: Barbara Leader was nurse and confidante to former Virginia governor Sam Holloway.
 
Though Barbara’s death is ruled a heart attack, dissenting opinions abound. After all, she was the picture of health, which gives Harry and her four-legged companions pause. A baffling break-in at a local business leads Harry to further suspect that a person with malevolent intent lurks just out of sight: Something evil is afoot.
 
As it happens, Barbara died in the shadow of the local cemetery’s statue of the Avenging Angel. Just below that imposing funereal monument lie the remains of one Francisco Selisse, brutally murdered in 1784. Harry’s present-day sleuthing draws her back to Virginia’s slave-holding past and the hunt for Selisse’s killer. Now it’s up to Harry and her furry detectives—Mrs. Murphy, Pewter, and Tee Tucker—to expose the bitter truth, even if it means staring into the unforgiving eyes of history and cornering a callous killer poised to pounce."





Tall Tail (Mrs. Murphy #25) by Rita Mae Brown

If you like your southern mysteries to flow as slow as molasses during a Northern February, then this cozy is going to be right up your alley.  At about the fifth time I picked up this book, and the fifth time I found myself dozing off while reading it, I finally gave up.

I’m sorely getting tired of author’s pushing their personal agenda’s on me.  I swore   with the last Mrs. Murphy novel I read that did this, I was going to be finished for good...well she did it again.  I don’t want to hear about organic gardening, I don’t want to read a book about the author’s politics or how they feel superior to the people in the Northern part of the country (Hint-the war is over).  I don’t want another book that flits from era to era –maybe this flip-flopping had a point, but if it did then  it just waited too long to let me know what that point was.    

I finally gave up after my fifth snooze.

ARC provided by publisher

A Bee In Her Bonnet by Jennifer Beckstrand

"Their bees produce the most delectable honey in all of Wisconsin. And the three Christner girls are fondly known as The Honeybee Sisters throughout their peaceful Amish community--where their spirited sweetness is attracting any number of hopeful suitors. . . 
Lively, determined, and independent, Poppy Christner isn't about to let some vandal keep making mischief on her family's farm. She's been outrunning boys and standing up for picked-on children ever since she was a girl--no matter how much her prideful, arrogant schoolmate Luke Bontrager insulted her. So Poppy certainly doesn't need his interference now, especially since he's made it plain he prefers demure, ladylike companions. In fact, if Luke doesn't stop helping her find the culprit--and growing humble and remorseful--she'll be forced to notice how handsome his change-of-heart is making him. And that could mean falling in love--maybe for a lifetime… 
Praise for Jennifer Beckstrand and her Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series
"Full of kind, sincere characters struggling with the best ways to stay true to themselves and their beliefs." --Publishers Weekly
"A delightful voice in Amish romance. Sweet and funny." --Emma Miller"

 This is the second book in the Honeybee Sister’s trilogy and the theme is very similar to the first book.  The main character Poppy seems to be disliked by certain people of their community, the ‘romance’ is fraught with pitfalls that are brought on by both Poppy and Luke.

The Amish part of this book is so dissimilar to other Amish books that I have read that it makes me really wonder if it should be classified as such.  Christian…hmmm, I suppose as there is a lot of bible quoting and we do have a little bit of turning the other cheek, that we can call this Christian –however Poppy’s attitude really isn’t that of your typical Amish young woman.  Sometimes that really works well as a storyline but this time –not so much.

The despair that Poppy goes through got on my nerves after a while.  Had this been a shorter novel it would have worked for me splendidly, but in a novel this length it just go repetitious and annoying. With Poppy constantly fighting and getting sometimes seriously hurt chapter after chapter, I just wanted to roll my eyes and say the heck with it and not finish the book.  But I managed to finish and I will say that I will read the next one when it comes out.

Aunt Bitsy is still an enigma and one that I am enjoying.  I really hope that there will be a book about her and her past life and how she came back to the fold. I know that she did it for her nieces’ sake, but I’ll bet there was a lot of kicking and screaming along the way.

I hope that the third book finally explains who and why there is so much vandalism at their farm too.