An Old Man's Game: An Amos Parisman Mystery by Andy Weinberger

An Old Man's Game: An Amos Parisman Mystery by Andy Weinberger
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a very noir-ish (if there is such a word) and very fast read. Very reminiscent of something written in the '40s or '50s and updated to add cel-phones to it.
I just finished a string of Jeffery Deaver books, so it was a little difficult for me to get myself to this level, but once I did I found the book enjoyable and they mystery nice and twisty and shocking.

The only issue I had is that I wasn't sure if this was the first book in a series (it is) since the author plops you right into Amos' life, and in a way that was a bad thing for me.


*ARC supplied by the publisher


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Meg and Jo - by Virginia Kantra

Meg and Jo by Virginia Kantra
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"The timeless classic Little Women inspired this heartwarming modern tale of four sisters from New York Times bestselling author Virginia Kantra.

The March sisters—reliable Meg, independent Jo, stylish Amy, and shy Beth—have grown up to pursue their separate dreams. When Jo followed her ambitions to New York City, she never thought her career in journalism would come crashing down, leaving her struggling to stay afloat in a gig economy as a prep cook and secret food blogger.

Meg appears to have the life she always planned—the handsome husband, the adorable toddlers, the house in a charming subdivision. But sometimes getting everything you’ve ever wanted isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

When their mother’s illness forces the sisters home to North Carolina for the holidays, they’ll rediscover what really matters.

One thing’s for sure—they’ll need the strength of family and the power of sisterhood to remake their lives and reimagine their dreams."




Review:

    I am sad to say that the only time I have ever had anything to do with the classic book Little Women was watching the movie. I had only ever watched the original 1933 film many years ago. I did not love the movie, but parts of it did stand out, and I had that in mind when I jumped into this book. And I think that by not knowing much about the classic novel, this was a much more likable read for me.

I am happy to say that I loved this book much more than I did the film. The author updated it brilliantly and from what I can remember, veered from the original just enough to perhaps, make this a modern-day classic.

I enjoyed the fact that the author centered on Meg and Jo and is doing a second book about Amy and Beth (and I can't wait to read that book). It would have been nearly incomprehensible had the author tried to write about all of them in this one book.

The trials and tribulations that Jo, Meg, and their Mother go through was a fascinating look into modern families with just a touch of old fashion to it. This was a romantic book without a lot of overkill. It had just enough angst to keep you worrying, but not so much that you would want to quit reading. I read to get away from my problems not to take on a fictional character's issues.
A 'happily-ever-after was had by almost all!

*ARC supplied by the publisher.


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The Amish Marriage Bargain by Marie E. Bast

The Amish Marriage Bargain by Marie E. Bast
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I don't usually pan an Amish book since they are usually written so sensibly and with a good plot, but this book just meanders and was filled with too many 'tragedies' for me to enjoy the book. Then to find out the why of Thad (the male Protagonist) married Mays ( the female protagonist) sister, was just a slap in the face for me.

I'm not going to say more or I'll start spoiling the book for future readers, but I really ended up skimming most of this book.

It was not a very religious book ( actually it didn't feel very 'Amish' either).

*ARC supplied by the publisher.


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A Precious Gift (Walnut Creek #2.5) by Shelley Shepard Gray

A Precious Gift by Shelley Shepard Gray
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

 This book would have been an easier read if I had read the first books in this series. And it would have helped if the author had spent a few paragraphs explaining just how and Amish and an Englisher would marry and the Amish not be shunned by his community.

Other than that it was a good read and would be an excellent read for younger teenagers since it delicately (! not so much!)uses teen pregnancy as a learning tool.

This was NOT a religious book but it was a moral one.

*ARC supplied by the publisher.


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Amish Front Porch Stories: 18 Short Tales of Simple Faith and Wisdom by Wanda E. Brunstetter (Goodreads Author), Jean Brunstetter, Richelle Brunstetter

Amish Front Porch Stories: 18 Short Tales of Simple Faith and Wisdom by Wanda E. Brunstetter


An excellent series of very short stories that will hit you spiritually and have you keeping your faith. I am not of this faith yet I find these types of stories to be soothing rather than too preachy.

*ARC supplied by the publisher.


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Vacation by Jane Green

Vacation by Jane Green

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this witty, deeply honest tale of married life, New York Times bestselling author Jane Green delves into the heart of the holidays—and the winter of one woman’s discontent . . . Just when she’d sworn off men for good, Sarah Evans met Eddie. Sarah was a magazine editor, living in Manhattan, and loving her life—except for the heartbreaks. A successful real estate developer, Eddie was a breath of fresh air, a meeting of minds—and bodies. Soon came wedded bliss, baby number one—and the proverbial move to the suburbs . . . You just sit there like a slob while I do all the work. Nine years later, this is increasingly what goes through Sarah’s mind when she looks at Evan, propped in front of the TV with a beer, ignoring their two children. The truth is, she misses her old life. She misses the old Eddie. She can’t help wondering if she’d be happier alone . . . When Eddie’s job sends him to Chicago indefinitely, Sarah shocks him by suggesting a trial separation. But she knows it’s just a precursor to divorce—even if Eddie chooses to think of it as a “vacation.” Yet a lot can change—on both sides—as time goes by. And once Christmas arrives, Sarah and Eddie might re-discover gifts they’d forgotten they had . . .

REVIEW:

Unfortunately, this book is being misdescribed in that it is an 83-page NOVELLA and not a complete book. As of this review, both Amazon and Goodreads have incorrect information on this book. The original novella is found in the book: This Christmas.

For the most part, I merely like Ms. Greens' writing. It keeps me reading and amused. Nothing earth-shattering about any of her books -just good, reliable, dependable, and entertaining reading. And this novella is no different!

It is an amusing story of a woman who gets to that part of her life where she just starts questioning almost everything. Most of us have been at that point one time or another. The big thing she is questioning is her husband, and because of that, they decide to take a little vacation from their marriage. Now the husband is questioning their marriage but in a good way.

There is a small issue at the end where we seem to skip a few steps, but nothing major. I also have an issue with British writer's not doing their homework when writing a book set in the United States and using BritSpeak in place of Americanisms.

All in all, an excellent novella that is heartwarming, amusing, and just perfect when you need a quick read.
*ARC supplied by the publisher.


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Christmas in Vermont by Anita Hughes

Christmas in Vermont by Anita Hughes
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I would have read on to see how this book was going to turn out but gave up very early in it for the simple reason that I am tired of so many authors doing sloppy research. But this one took the cake.

When an author can't do research into something so simple as to Norman Rockwell's birthplace (my very favorite artist BTW) or where his museum is, I do not finish the book. He was born in NY, not Vermont, his main museum is in Massachusetts -Stockbridge to be exact although there is one in Rutland VT that displays his covers. Frankly, even before that part, I was disgruntled with the writing and plotting.

*ARC provided by the publisher.


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Marriage on Madison Avenue (Central Park Pact, #3) by Lauren Layne

Marriage on Madison Avenue by Lauren LayneMy rating: 4 of 5 stars

"From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne, comes the final installment of the Central Park Pact series, a heartfelt and laugh-out-loud romantic comedy that’s perfect for fans of Sally Thorne and Christina Lauren.

Can guys and girls ever be just friends? According to Audrey Tate and Clarke West, absolutely. After all, they’ve been best friends since childhood without a single romantic entanglement. Clarke is the charming playboy Audrey can always count on, and he knows that the ever-loyal Audrey will never not play along with his strategy for dodging his matchmaking mother—announcing he’s already engaged…to Audrey.But what starts out as a playful game between two best friends turns into something infinitely more complicated, as just-for-show kisses begin to stir up forbidden feelings. As the faux wedding date looms closer, Audrey and Clarke realize that they can never go back to the way things were, but deep down, do they really want to?"

REVIEW:

I'm sorry to see this trilogy go. I really loved it and the women Naomi, Claire and of course Audrey.

And if this is the first book in this trilogy that you picked up...don't worry there is enough back-story to get you up to snuff. (almost too much back-story for the person who has read the first two books-almost!) I would actually love to see a book about Elizabeth who was a secondary character in this book, I think she deserves love!


At any rate, this book is steamy but clean (no bodily fluids discussed) it taught me just exactly what an "influencer" is and also taught me to respect and understanding for non-traditional jobs. I'm a Babyboomer and I find it difficult to understand these types of careers, but this author went a long, long way to help me see. This is going to be the perfect book for women who grew up with this as the norm.

The real story is as old as man -three women loving the same man who dies and the women discover each other at his funeral. They vow to take care of each other and to keep them from falling for inappropriate men.

I loved this very fast reading book and was engaged in the story for every minute of it -the only reason I gave it less than five stars is that I really dislike too much angst and inner dialoguing and this book has too much for my personal taste.

*ARC supplied by the publisher.


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The More the Merrier: An Amish Christmas Romance by Linda Byler

The More the Merrier: An Amish Christmas Romance by Linda Byler
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

A Heartwarming Christmas Romance Set During the Great Depression
It’s 1931, and times are tough for the Miller family, who are raising eight children in the midst of the Great Depression. When Eli Miller passes away unexpectedly, and then a fire destroys their barn, Annie has no idea how she’ll make ends meet. The Amish community rallies around her and the children, as is their custom, but as days turn into weeks and then into months, Annie’s friends and neighbors return to their own routines and seem to expect Annie to do the same. Annie knows she needs to stay strong for the children and figure out a way to keep everyone warm and clothed and fed, but she is heartbroken and exhausted. She reminds herself that God will provide, but every day feels like an uphill battle.
When Annie receives a letter from a widower with six children of his own, she tries to put it out of her mind. Her critical mother reminds her that it's too soon to start a new friendship with a man, and warns her that blending a family will be complicated. In the weeks and months to follow, Annie must learn to make her own decisions—and accept the consequences, good and bad—face her past, and embark on a new journey that will transform her and her large, complicated family. When life seems especially complicated one summer, she finds herself saying that by Christmas everything will start to come together, but she has no idea the challenges—and ultimately blessings—headed her way. 

REVIEW:

I would suggest that this writer do a little more research before taking pen to paper. I also suggest that she send her books to Beta readers before going to an editor or at least using an editor. The misspellings, added words and other grammatical errors made for a difficult read...(what exactly is "sie" when introducing a new character BTW?). It would have helped to have the dictionary of Amish Words at the beginning of the book instead of the end.


There were too many historical inconsistencies and inaccuracies in this book. The writing was flat and very much unlike anything else I've ever read or experienced with the Amish. I understand that their faith was a bit more liberal than usual---but this went a little too far for the typical reader to grasp. Do Amish children really go to a school that has multiple grade levels that isn't a one-room schoolhouse? Did the author research just exactly what a single dollar was worth during the Great Depression? No American would have paid a dollar for a dozen eggs. A dollar back then was the equivalent of over 14 dollars. RESEARCH!!! Make it believable.


It's nice to know that the author is/was Amish and writes her novels with pen and paper, but the tools don't matter when the story is flat and difficult to read and believe.

*ARC supplied by the publisher.


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The Trouble with Becoming a Witch: A Novel by Amy Edwards

The Trouble with Becoming a Witch: A Novel by Amy Edwards
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I really disliked this book and would never recommend this to anyone else because:

It was boring, repetitive, unbelievable, memoir-ish but fiction, overly angsty, filled with religion and it has a very political bent.

There is really no plot, just another woman bemoaning how her husband doesn't understand her -actually he was just an idiot -they both were and frankly I think they deserved each other. They were supposed to be in their 30's but acted and talked like young teenagers and the husband had ideas that you would have seen in the 1950's and I found it to be unbelievable for that particular religion. Though I do know that there are very religious families, this just seemed to be very cliché.


*ARC supplied by the publisher.


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Imaginary Friend by Stephen Chbosky

Imaginary Friend by Stephen Chbosky
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I really must commend all the readers and reviewers that read and loved this book. I am at 81% right now and have the most incredible headache from reading this tome! I don't know what is pushing me more -the fact that I can't 'not' finish an ARC? That everyone else loved it and I am really disliking it? That I have more questions than the book has answered?

My problems are many:

Firstly, I am a Baby Boomer and that means my favorite horror writers will always be Stephen King, Robert McCammon and those of that ilk. I am not averse to reading new horror authors if they can be unique. When a modern author tries to do what they (the original kings of the horror genre) did and can't do it well and I can see it in the first 100 pages or so, it does not bode well.

Secondly, I have issues with some of the, well for lack of a better term, the time period. It is supposed to be (I am assuming) modern times. But some of the things the author talks such as Special Education, Floods or High Waters for pants, or amazement at a school having a computer lab rings of the entire book being written back in the '70s, not just the first few chapters which do take place in the '50s.

Thirdly, many many characters and more than I could keep straight as well as the different...er...dimensions, moods, evil people and what-not. I also had a lot of problems relating these characters to 7-year-olds.

Lastly, The usage of capitalization in the middle of words is unique and is what finally brought this migraine on. It, in my opinion, is extremely difficult to read in this manner, but I can see why the author wants us to read these parts with difficulty. A bad move -he could have used italics but I'm not the author.

IF I finally finish the entire book and I change my mind about any of this I'll let you know.

*ARC supplied by the publisher.


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What Rose Forgot by Nevada Barr

What Rose Forgot by Nevada Barr
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In New York Times bestselling author Nevada Barr's gripping standalone, a grandmother in her sixties emerges from a mental fog to find she's trapped in her worst nightmare
Rose Dennis wakes up in a hospital gown, her brain in a fog, only to discover that she's been committed to an Alzheimer's Unit in a nursing home. With no memory of how she ended up in this position, Rose is sure that something is very wrong. When she overhears one of the administrators saying about her that she's "not making it through the week," Rose is convinced that if she's to survive, she has to get out of the nursing home. She avoids taking her medication, putting on a show for the aides, then stages her escape.
The only problem is—how does she convince anyone that she's not actually demented? Her relatives were the ones to commit her, all the legal papers were drawn up, the authorities are on the side of the nursing home, and even she isn't sure she sounds completely sane. But any lingering doubt Rose herself might have had is erased when a would-be killer shows up in her house in the middle of the night. Now Rose knows that someone is determined to get rid of her.
With the help of her computer hacker/recluse sister Marion, thirteen-year old granddaughter Mel, and Mel's friend Royal, Rose begins to gather her strength and fight back—to find out who is after her and take back control of her own life. But someone out there is still determined to kill Rose, and they're holding all the cards.

 I was shocked as to how much I loved this book. It kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what next problem Rose Dennis (escaped dementia patient---or is she really afflicted with this disease?) was going to get into or create on her own.

As other's have mentioned, you really do need to suspend disbelief for this book...I know that many women of a certain age can do wonderful things but this is a woman who has been ill and drugged and...well I won't get into some of my issues or rather, Roses issues since they would be spoilers!!!

I did not figure out who was behind all of this and was quite surprised; unlike other reviewers. It was a joy to me to see someone of this age, and her grand-daughter working together to uncover what was going on.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys deep mysteries, action, and books that make you really think.

*ARC provided by the publisher



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A Longer Fall (Gunnie Rose) by Charlaine Harris

A Longer Fall by Charlaine Harris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

#1 New York Times bestselling author Charlaine Harris returns with the second of the Gunnie Rose series, in which Lizbeth is hired onto a new crew, transporting a crate into Dixie, the self-exiled southeast territory of the former United States. What the crate contains is something so powerful, that forces from across three territories want to possess it.In this second thrilling installment of the Gunnie Rose series, Lizbeth Rose is hired onto a new crew for a seemingly easy protection job, transporting a crate into Dixie, just about the last part of the former United States of America she wants to visit. But what seemed like a straight-forward job turns into a massacre as the crate is stolen. Up against a wall in Dixie, where social norms have stepped back into the last century, Lizbeth has to go undercover with an old friend to retrieve the crate as what's inside can spark a rebellion, if she can get it back in time.
#1 New York Times bestselling author Charlaine Harris (Sookie Stackhouse mysteries and Midnight, Texas trilogy) is at her best here, building the world of this alternate history of the United States, where magic is an acknowledged but despised power.

After the first book in this trilogy, I didn't expect very much. I tend not to like westerns and the first book was a total oater! This book mixes things up a little by getting Lizbeth (Gunnie Rose) into a different country -Dixie -on a new job. And everything is going as expected (blood and gunfire everywhere) until the train she and her new crew are on, blows up. Gunnie and her (mostly) late crew were guarding a crate and that is all I'm going to say about the guts of this book except for this one thing -Eli shows up, naturally! You can't have a Charlaine Harris novel without a little romance!

I think I liked this book more because I knew now what to expect. How the New America was divided-and the historical facts.

[This book involves uncomfortable facts about Dixie and you need to think of the deep south in the earlier and middle part of last century. A lot of this plot includes uncomfortable truths. (At least for a person my age, they are uncomfortable) This book does have a unique way of dealing with prejudice against blacks and those that are a bit different. I do so love books with magic! Think of Gunnie in her jeans and guns...you'll see what I mean.  (hide spoiler)]
This book involves uncomfortable facts about Dixie and you need to think of the deep south in the earlier and middle part of last century.   A lot of this plot includes uncomfortable truths. (At least for a person my age, they are uncomfortable) This book does have a unique way of dealing with prejudice against blacks and those that are a bit different.   I do so love books with magic! Think of Gunnie in her jeans and guns...you'll see what I mean.

I do heartily recommend that you read the first book or you will be a little lost in this one although it does a good job of recapping (to the point that if you read the first book just before this one you are going to be able to do a lot of skimming).

The mystery is totally a cool one. I would never in a million years have ever guessed what was in the crate the crew was guarding! There is sex in this book, but not the ultra graphic sex some authors get into. Some people may become offended by some of the storylines -but you really have to remember the historical era of America this book was portraying.

*ARC supplied by the publisher.


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A Hero Comes Home by Sandra Hill

A Hero Comes Home by Sandra Hill
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I need to remember that when I'm reading a book such as this one I am reading fiction and romantic fiction at that. Ms. Hill likes to put humor into her books, and her earlier books reflect that. This book, for me, was far from humorous. It is an intense subject and one that may upset some readers. It is about a man who has been a POW for 3 years no matter what the government is trying to get everyone to believe. He has been tortured and mutilated. I know this happens, but when I'm reading a light romance, I don't expect to have my stomach roiling or to have to go off and cry.

Jacobs wife, Sally had been told that he was dead and has finally started to get on with her life and so have their three sons. Then one day out of the blue, she is told that he is still alive and within weeks he has come home.

Now I don't know this for a fact, but wouldn't you think that the family would have gotten some counseling to prepare themselves for his reluctant return? Perhaps learned how to deal with the rages someone suffering PTSD might have? Learn what to expect and learn how to treat the loved one so they wouldn't suffer unnecessarily? Not so in this book and while I can sort of understand that it would take time from the story if you are going to write about something like this at least try to do it realistically.

There was a lot of sex in this book and very descriptive, which is no different from Ms. Hills' earlier works.

I really had a love-hate relationship with this novel.

*ARC supplied by the publisher.


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Hunting for a Highlander (Highland Brides, #8) by Lynsay Sands

Hunting for a Highlander by Lynsay Sands

Breasts. Large breasts, globular breasts, peach-colored nipples, breasts bouncing and breasts that are spilling out all over the place. Yes, this book is heavy on the ample bosom of Dwyn our female protagonist. Think Dolly Parton in a kilt!

This book also follows the plot devices that all of Ms. Sands books use in this series. That makes this a very comfortable read if a little boring.

The mystery was a good one because I couldn't figure out who was doing it. I did not go with the most obvious, but I didn't figure out who was causing all Dwyn's difficulties and someone else's death and her eventual kidnapping.

One thing I did get from this book that I don't usually think about while reading, is the state of the moat, what exactly goes in there and how things must have smelled in this age. I have since sterilized my toilet and kissed my plumber--I would have kissed my plumbing too, but let's not get too crazy here!!!

An excellent read for total escapism.

*ARC supplied by the publisher.

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Immortal Born (Argeneau #30) by Lynsay Sands

Immortal Born by Lynsay Sands
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 I was excited while reading this book to see that it revisits Port Henry and the characters from my very favorite book The Accidental Vampire.

The book synopsis gives you all of the important information, but what if fails to let you know is just how exciting this book really was, how convoluted the bad guys became and how sexy this was going to be in thoughts and in the deed!

I also loved the fact that there was no cliff hanger the story was complete (view spoiler)[right to the issue of the bad guy, Abaddon (hide spoiler)].

The only thing I am unhappy with these newer books is that they lack the humor and lightness of many of Ms. Sands older books in this series.

I am also unhappy to realize that I am missing a lot of the boos in this series so I am going to have to do a lot of buying of backlisted books! Poor me, right?!

*ARC supplied by the publisher.


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Golden In Death (In Death, #50) by J.D. Robb

Golden In Death by J.D. Robb
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

As the 50th book in this series, I expected just a tad more than I got. Although it was a thoroughly enjoyable read, It was relatively slow going with much of the book taken up by the first murder and not enough time is given to the next poisoning.

The evil character's really shone in this book, and I would have liked to have seen Eve and Delia spend more time on them.

I felt that this novel was more of a character-driven read than an action-driven one, but that was okay as I was able to learn a little more about my favorite team.

Ms. Robb kept true to her formula as far as sex goes, but still, something was missing in this book...I just can't put my finger on it.

For a fiftieth book, I just expected more, a bigger bang for my buck than the word Gold in the title and a golden egg in the story.

ARC supplied by the publisher.


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The Confession Club: A Novel (Mason Book 3) Kindle Edition by Elizabeth Berg

The Confession Club by Elizabeth Berg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really don't know what to say about this book -I loved it but in a small way I hated it too. Though I do have to admit the love part managed to win over the hate part.

I found this book (third in a trio) to be a little'sweeter' than the first two and the first two books were quite 'sweet' but in a perfect way. This book-the sweetness was a tad unbelievable and dangerous too.

The writing was still wonderful, the ladies in the Confession Club are perfect and I hope I can grow up to be just like them!

I certainly do hope that there will be a fourth in this group of books (I don't want to quite say series yet!) but I can see the different generations picking up for what the original character's stood for.



The Confession Club is inspiring, humorous and romantic.

*ARC supplied by the publisher.


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Takes One to Know One by Susan Isaacs

Takes One to Know One by Susan Isaacs
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

SYNOPSIS---"Just a few years ago, Corie Geller was busting terrorists as an agent for the FBI. But at thirty-five, she traded in her badge for the stability of marriage and motherhood. Now Corie is married to the brilliant and remarkably handsome Judge Josh Geller and is the adoptive mother of his lovely 14-year-old daughter. Between cooking meals and playing chauffeur, Corie scouts Arabic fiction for a few literary agencies and, on Wednesdays, has lunch with her fellow Shorehaven freelancers at a so-so French restaurant. Life is, as they say, fine.
But at her weekly lunches, Corie senses that something's off. Pete Delaney, a milquetoast package designer, always shows up early, sits in the same spot (often with a different phone in hand), and keeps one eye on the Jeep he parks in the lot across the street. Corie intuitively feels that Pete is hiding something--and as someone who is accustomed to keeping her FBI past from her new neighbors, she should know. But does Pete really have a shady alternate life, or is Corie just imagining things, desperate to add some spark to her humdrum suburban existence? She decides that the only way to find out is to dust off her FBI toolkit and take a deep dive into Pete Delaney's affairs.


Always sassy, smart, and wickedly witty, Susan Isaacs is at her formidable best in a novel that is both bitingly wry and ominously thrilling"

This book was the loooonnnggggest 288 pages (or so I've been led to believe)I have ever read. I see so many reviewers loved this book, and I wonder if we had read the same one or if my tastes are just so radically different/bland/boring. I thought I would never finish this book. It slogged along until I wanted to scream.

I am led to believe that this is book one of a new series (I am not positive though) so I can see why we needed so much back story, angst, repetitiveness, and the building of Corie's life (boring), letting us know she is a bored housewife now and did I say repetitive?

I MAY try the next book if there is such a thing because hopefully, the next book will not concentrate on chapters that go absolutely nowhere. The next edition will, probably, not have the minutiae that this one did. And we get the fact that Corie is now rich, Corie's husband is handsome, her best friend has good taste and that Ms. Issacs knows how to over-use the word 'narrative'.

It takes 3/4 of this book before anything actually happens -yes, some things happened during the story, but nothing that will keep you on the edge of your seat; if you know what I mean.

*ARC supplied by the publisher.


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Love on Lexington Avenue (Central Park Pact #2) by Lauren Layne

Love on Lexington Avenue by Lauren Layne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This second entry to the Central Park Pact was even better than the first one and I can't wait to see what the third book is going to be like!

This book is about the widow of a philanderer, his mistress, and his girlfriend. Yep, what a sleazeball! It is also about Claire's (the wife) desire to end her vanilla lifestyle, redo her brown-stone and have a one night fling. She just wants to try to remember how to flirt and to feel desirable.

On first glance when Scott the renovation expert comes calling things don't look like they are going to work out renovation wise but soon it becomes clear that not only is her renovations moving along nicely, so is her friendship with Scott -also her wingman in flirting and one night stands! And let me tell you that does NOT work out well at all!

There are a lot of very humorous moments n this book as well as some that may make you a tad weepy. Frankly, I think the fun and humor comes out on top, so don't worry too much about this book being overly angsty.

However, things do move along and at a good pace. The author really knows how to keep things moving and to keep the reader interested and wanting to turn those pages. I learned a few things about remodeling without this turning into a how-to book. And the HEA was just perfect (as well as the remodel!)

*ARC supplied by the publisher.



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Shelter from the Storm: A Fresh-Start Family Romance (North Country Amish #2) by Patricia Davids

Shelter from the Storm: A Fresh-Start Family Romance by Patricia Davids
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An Amish marriage of convenience
A new North Country Amish novel

Secretly pregnant and unwed, Gemma Lapp has a difficult choice—face her Amish community or raise her baby alone. But when a storm strands Gemma in the wilderness with her former crush, Jesse Crump, she knows her secret won’t be safe for long. Gemma can’t imagine trusting a man again…until Jesse proposes a marriage of convenience. Could their arrangement lead to love?



As usual, Patricia Davids hits the right notes with this new book. She happens to be an excellent author of Amish fiction/romance - she is 'teachy without being preachy'!

This was one of the most unusual stories I've read in the Amish genre but not untypical -a couple thrown into a dangerous situation that pushes them into the correct direction. A marriage that may or may not be of convenience, that naturally turns into something more. A life or death situation.

All of these above buttons are pushed with this novel, and I really ended up at the edge of my seat in parts. Yes, there are one or two inconsistencies-but this is an ARC and I m hoping that these will be changed upon publication.

*ARC supplied by the publisher.


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Christmas Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

Christmas Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis: A Christmas novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of I Owe You One.
Celebrate Christmas with the ultimate Shopaholic! #1 New York Times bestselling author Sophie Kinsella is back with a new laugh-out-loud adventure featuring Becky Brandon (née Bloomwood).

Review:

It has been quite a while since I've read one of the Shopaholic books and it's safe for me to say that Becky has grown (somewhat). She still makes bad choices with her shopping, and now she is also making bad choices about how she appears to others. ( maybe she always has, but mainly I'm reading this as a 'standalone' instead of part of the series; it has been that long since I've read one of these)!

Becky may be flighty at times and worry too much about what others think of her, but she is a good mother, a warm person and a very caring friend daughter and sister.

She has a lot of cringe-worthy moments in this book, and at times the book seems to make little sense (for me it was the hamster scene). However, everything works out in the end.

I think one of the reasons I had some problems with this story-line is that I see too much of myself in Becky's character. I also shop for what I think I'll need in the future-store things away and then forget about them and do most of my shopping from the computer and get stuck with things that aren't quite right! Another problem I had was with her sister (half?step?) Jess, and her ridiculous (to me) demands on what is appropriate to spend your money on; after all, it's your cash and your business what you do with it.

A fun, funny, light and fast read that brings the spirit of Christmas to the fore.

*ARC supplied by the publisher.


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The Rise of Magicks (Chronicles of The One, #3) by Nora Roberts

The Rise of Magicks by Nora Roberts
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Synopsis:"The first battle is already over, but the big fight for good and evil is yet to come: The young Fallon leads their army to Washington D.C., to drive the black magic out of the world. She is the chosen one to rebuild the world after the apocalypse and unite her inhabitants. There is a great burden on the young woman, because the family of her father's murderer seeks revenge on her and her sweetheart. But Fallon's mission is now easier than the interpretation of her feelings for Duncan, whose fate is inevitably tied to hers."

I was surprised to find that I enjoyed this last book in this trilogy way more than the first two. It was a reasonably good way to end this trilogy but not a fantastic way to end it. However, if you have already read the first two books, then this is a must-read for you.



https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34311452-year-one

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38236125-of-blood-and-bone



I had some problems with the repetitiveness that Nora seems to embrace lately. She does like to repeat over and over, what we not only have learned from the first two books, but she did this with passages from this particular book too. Unlike other reviewers, I feel that Ms. Roberts was merely filling up pages to get to a specific word count. I did not like the fact that these books use a language more like what she uses in her J.D.Robb series -which I call 'text speak.' She tends to lose the flow of her sentences when doing this, and it makes it a bit awkward for a reader who is not used to this way of speaking. Ms. Roberts leaves out things like determiners and grammatical articles and even some crucial verbs!

I still do think that this series is geared more for the YA audience than a purely adult one.

There are new character's to enjoy, fights galore, and deaths of some secondary character's that we've come to know. I do wonder why Fallon is not using all of this fantastic magic she absorbed when opening "The Book of Spells" and then jumped into "The Pit".

The last fight is interesting ( not exciting as such, but interesting) but a little lackluster for a trilogy like this

I loved Vivienne especially and a lot of the secondary and tertiary character's. This idea would have made an excellent long-running series which would have given the characters more time to grow and mature into their roles. I did have a bit of a difficult time with the large jumps in time. Fallon is an infant -poof-Fallon is 13-poof-Fallon is 20 (I think). An extended series would have given us time to see what all the fights were like, to understand more about Vivienne and the other alliances, to feel more about the romance, etc.

*ARC supplied by the publisher.


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Polite Society by Mahesh Rao

Polite Society by Mahesh Rao
My rating: 1 of 5 stars



Synopsis:

A modern retelling of Jane Austen's Emma with a touch of Crazy Rich Asians set in Delhi, in which the daughter of a wealthy Indian family aspires to match-make for her friends and family, only to find herself caught up in an unforeseen scandal--and an unexpected match of her own.
Beautiful, clever, and very slightly bored, Ania Khurana has Delhi wrapped around her finger. When Ania finds love for her spinster aunt, she realizes her potential as a force for good. 
For her next match, Ania sets her sights on Dimple: her newest, sweetest, and, sure, poorest friend. But her good intentions may be misdirected, and when her aunt's handsome new nephew arrives from America, the social tides in Delhi begin to shift. Surrounded by money old and new, navigating gossip, scheming, and an unforgettable cast of journalists, socialites, gurus, and heirs, Ania discovers that when you aim to please the human heart, things seldom go as planned. 
Using Jane Austen's Emma as a springboard, Polite Society takes us into the lives of a group of characters we never want to part with. Pairing stiletto-sharp observation and social comedy with moments of true tenderness, this delicious romp through the mansions of India's elite celebrates that there's no one route to perfect happiness.

Review:



I'm having a very difficult time writing this review as I don't really want to offend anyone...but the fact is that I am really wondering just how this book garnered so many high rated reviews?

First of all---Jane Austen is dead people, please let her rest in peace and stop trying to imitate her by rewriting Emma in the modern world...it just doesn't work.


There is only one passage that gave me pleasure while I was reading this book and that was at location 1776 at 49% of the book---Ania says and I quote "It's okay to toss a boring book after fifty pages." Well, I gave this book wayyy more than 50 pages and I just couldn't do it anymore.

If "Polite Society" hadn't such a strong essence of "Emma" I would not have been so distracted comparing the two books. If the characters had been just a little more likable (I actually hated Ania) I might have plodded on. I realize that Ania would finally change, but for me, the voyage just wasn't worth it. She was just an annoying, whiny, know-it-all that couldn't handle her own life, but unlike in "Emma", she just did it in such a nasty way.

This book tried too hard to make a literary book out of what should have been no more than Chick-lit; all about the uber-rich and how they treat those around them and how they take their riches for granted.

I'm surprised at myself that I allowed myself to read this much of this book.
Rao, Mahesh

*ARC supplied by the publisher.





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The Amish Christmas Matchmaker by Vannetta Chapman

The Amish Christmas Matchmaker by Vannetta Chapman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A lovely sweet almost typical, Amish read with a bit of a twist. This book asks you the question "what if" -what if you fall in love with someone who wants something very different from you? And that is what this book asks us. I can't say that I was thrilled with the outcome, but that is because I am not an Amish woman and I was brought up so very different. Then again Annie is a little different from your typical Amish woman!

This was a fast, sweet, sometimes frustrating read and well worth the price.

*ARC supplied by the publisher.


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The Third Mrs. Durst by Ann Aguirre

The Third Mrs. Durst by Ann Aguirre
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This was not the type of book that I expected from this author, but it was an interesting change of pace from her. (I haven't read her in years though, so she may have ventured into this genre before and I just didn't know it)

Had I bought this book, I think I would have sent it back based on the fact that the synopsis doesn't quite do it justice. As an ARC I get the same synopsis that Amazon and Goodread publishes, and I got the impression that it was going to pretty much, be the typical southern 'damsel in distress with rotten husband' book with a bit of a twist. Little did I know that it was going to be the twisted blood fest that it was.

It took me about half of the book to finally realize what was going on (yes, I guess I'm slow!) and even though I know from the title page that "some people just need killing" the hate and violence and subterfuge just made my stomach roil. It didn't stop me from finishing the book though!!!

*ARC supplied by the publisher.


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Labyrinth (FBI Thriller #23) by Catherine Coulter

Labyrinth by Catherine Coulter
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I don't usually allow myself to take an ARC when I haven't read the rest of the series. I figure that I wouldn't know enough about the background of the characters, but I allowed myself to indulge this time because the synopsis made the book sound so exciting and so many of her other books got such kudos. Plus it is such a long-running series that I figured it must be excellent.

Yes, this was an interesting book for being half FBI thriller and half speculative fiction. I must wonder if Ms. Coulter writes all of her books with two distinct and separate stories/plot-lines and if they are always featuring the paranormal?

Unfortunately what kept this book from getting more stars is the fact that two different stories were going on at the same time and I was unable to work up enough emotion and to keep the passion I did manage to get to continue throughout the novel.

(view spoiler)[Sherlock's amnesia was a useful plot device and will keep the faithful reader wondering about the future. (hide spoiler)]

The next problem I had was parts of the ending just seemed like excessive usage of monologues on the roles of some of the characters. The speeches were more of a 'verbal vomiting' of everyone's guilt and a very cliched end to one of the main characters.

Although I wasn't thrilled with this particular book -I did like it well enough to look into the rest of the series.

*ARC supplied by the publisher.


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The Lager Queen of Minnesota by J.Ryan Stradal

The Lager Queen of Minnesota by J. Ryan Stradal
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Synopsis "A novel of family, Midwestern values, hard work, fate and the secrets of making a world-class beer, from the bestselling author of Kitchens of the Great Midwest
Two sisters, one farm. A family is split when their father leaves their shared inheritance entirely to Helen, his younger daughter. Despite baking award-winning pies at the local nursing home, her older sister, Edith, struggles to make what most people would call a living. So she can't help wondering what her life would have been like with even a portion of the farm money her sister kept for herself.
With the proceeds from the farm, Helen builds one of the most successful light breweries in the country, and makes their company motto ubiquitous: "Drink lots. It's Blotz." Where Edith has a heart as big as Minnesota, Helen's is as rigid as a steel keg. Yet one day, Helen will find she needs some help herself, and she could find a potential savior close to home. . . if it's not too late.
Meanwhile, Edith's granddaughter, Diana, grows up knowing that the real world requires a tougher constitution than her grandmother possesses. She earns a shot at learning the IPA business from the ground up--will that change their fortunes forever, and perhaps reunite her splintered family?

Here we meet a cast of lovable, funny, quintessentially American characters eager to make their mark in a world that's often stacked against them. In this deeply affecting family saga, resolution can take generations, but when it finally comes, we're surprised, moved, and delighted. "

Review

The Lager Queen of Minnesota by J. Ryan Stradal

If you love the rambling family-centric style of Fannie Flagg with an added dose of learning about IPA's, then you are sure to love this book.

This may not have been a heart-warming tale of love between sister's that we are used to, but I found it to be about genuine lives.

This book teaches you that even if more than 50 years pass, love between sisters cannot die. I know that is not always true, but that's what we had here. This book also shows you more than you might want to know about beer brewing, and it was genuinely fascinating. Written so that even the most beer/IPA ignorant among us (me especially) can grasp, it was teachy without being preachy.

This book was told from three different perspectives and each perspective from a different year or set of years.

I adored this book, and I will be putting it on my comfort book/reread shelve and most likely be reading it at least twice a year. Even though I have gotten this as an ARC, I will be buying my own in support of this author.

*ARC supplied by the publisher.


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The Corpse Wore Stilettos by M.J. O'Neill

The Corpse Wore Stilettos by M.J. O’Neill
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

SHE WORE A DONNA KARAN MARKED FOR REPOSSESSION

Since Kat Waters’s father took a trip to the slammer on what she’s sure are trumped-up racketeering charges, life’s been tough. All their assets are frozen, and she’s down to the last few pairs of Jimmy Choos she can swap for rent. To keep her family out of the homeless shelter, the former socialite took a job at the local morgue—a job she’s about to lose when the body of a murder victim goes missing on her watch.

HE WORE A CAPTIVATING SMILE

While Kat’s processing the latest victim in the prostitute serial killings, ex-Special Forces soldier Burns McPhee strolls in with an air of confidence, expecting access to the Jane Doe. While Burns tries to flirt his way into examining the latest victim, whom he thinks is connected to the death of his best friend, someone else steals the body right out from under them.

THE CORPSE WORE STILETTOS

Dodging questions from the cops and kidnapping attempts from a body-snatching psycho, Kat and Burns forge a deal. He’ll clear her name and keep her safe if she gets him information on her peculiar coworkers, one of whom he’s certain is involved with the body heist. But digging up secrets can lead to a lower life expectancy. The unlikely team will need all their talents not to end up as the morgue’s next clients while they hunt for a murderer, the missing corpse, and a pair of diamond-studded stilettos.

Review:
Unfortunately, I could not finish this book There were just too many issues with it for my taste and more importantly my happiness. Too many characters are doing too many different things and I couldn't keep the 'bad guy' straight. There are secondary character's that are just downright annoying and unnecessary.

I got to about 30% before I gave up and let me say this, this would have been a damn good book considering the premise (former rich girl forced to used her minor in biology to work in a hospital morgue, father in jail for possibly being in the Mafia, family lost all their money and home, Grandmother with Alzheimer's but a hoot) had there been no murder!!! I also understand from reading other review's that there really is no conclusion to this book -it ends on a cliffhanger.

*ARC supplied by the author.


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The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman

The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"Synopsis -The only child of a single mother, Nina has her life just as she wants it: a job in a bookstore, a kick-butt trivia team, a world-class planner and a cat named Phil. If she sometimes suspects there might be more to life than reading, she just shrugs and picks up a new book. 

When the father Nina never knew existed suddenly dies, leaving behind innumerable sisters, brothers, nieces, and nephews, Nina is horrified. They all live close by! They're all—or mostly all—excited to meet her! She'll have to Speak. To. Strangers. It's a disaster! And as if that wasn't enough, Tom, her trivia nemesis, has turned out to be cute, funny, and deeply interested in getting to know her. Doesn't he realize what a terrible idea that is?

Nina considers her options.

1. Completely change her name and appearance. (Too drastic, plus she likes her hair.) 
2. Flee to a deserted island. (Hard pass, see: coffee). 
3. Hide in a corner of her apartment and rock back and forth. (Already doing it.)

It's time for Nina to come out of her comfortable shell, but she isn't convinced real life could ever live up to fiction. It's going to take a brand-new family, a persistent suitor, and the combined effects of ice cream and trivia to make her turn her own fresh page."

Review:

This is not going to be a great review---I'm just too happy with this book to be able to express my feeling distinctly!!! As a matter of fact, even though I got this as an ARC I am going to be buying my own copy...I also put this on my 'comfort read' shelf!
This is the type of book that you can get lost in; you can love and sometimes hate the character's, love and sometimes dislike the storylines (there are several in this book). However, ultimately you will be rooting for Nina (at least I did!).
Nina is a great character if you love b oos as much as most of us do-she is the consummate bookworm and even schedules reading time; she IS a tad anal about her life and when you know more about it you will understand why.
In this book, you will find romance, a long lost family, humor, deep belly laughs, and even tears.
I found it all with this book and I hope you do also.
*ARC supplied by the publisher.

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Surfside Sisters by Nancy Thayer
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

 Yes, I did receive this book as an ARC and with that said I am going to be brutally honest about what I thought of this book. I also find (looking over the other reviews) that I may be alone in my opinions. The low rating may be because of my age or maybe my taste in books. But this is how I genuinely feel about this book.

I must say that I was very disappointed. I expected an adult novel and what I got was a young adult (at best) novel. I might even go as far as saying that this was a novel for teenagers.

This was a novel that deals with jealousy, envy, crushes that lasted forever, among other trivial things. They were just the most childish people I have ever met. The most honestly written parts dealt with death and illness. I could not connect (as an adult) with any of the characters. Some were annoying others pretentious and, others unrealistically portrayed. The author took more time describing the surroundings and everyone's love for the island than she did in having the characters grow. I also saw a lot of problems with the storyline/timeline, and that kept taking me out of the zone.

Had the characters grew in any manner, I would have been thrilled, but they did not. I would have loved this book as a teenager, but as a mature adult, I did not.

*ARC supplied by the publisher.


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Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner

Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I have to say what a downer this book was. If there was a situation filled with angst, it was in this book. Considering that this book spanned seven decades and some of them the most tumultuous in history, it is no wonder that I found myself deeply depressed while reading it! However, because I lived through a lot of these historical events, I found myself unable to put this book down.

This book, in my opinion, will be perfect for book clubs filled with people of a certain age, younger people who like to learn about modern history from the perspective of the generation who lived it, women (since this book was filled with women's issues) and the Lesbian community.

This book dealt with issues such as -bigotry, racial matters, political unrest, Lesbian issues, rape, drug addiction, cancer, early death, teenage angst, and so much more. There was very little to make you smile in this book, but a lot that will make you think and remember what life was like back then and really, still is.

*ARC supplied by publisher.


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The Favorite Daughter by Patti Callahan Henry

The Favorite Daughter by Patti Callahan Henry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I very rarely recommend books to anyone as I know that peoples tastes are varied. However, I feel I must recommend this one to a variety of readers.

First of all, I think that book clubs would get a wonderful bang for their buck with this book. This may sound as if it is a light fluffy read, but it is an intense, deep, soul searching, well-crafted read. It is a multi-layered story with dealing with a mystery, dealing with a loved one with an Alzheimer's and a long-ago betrayal by a sister.

If you are dealing with anyone with Alzheimer's this may be a book you are interested in -unless you are looking to escape and then I recommend you stay far far away.

I choose not to recap this book for fear that I might give something important away. I loved this book, but in some ways, I hated it too. It was an emotional roller coaster read for me. This book had me feeling anger, grief, curiosity, and discomfort.

I felt anger at Coleen's family for how they felt about her sister (tho I could eventually understand it), frustration at what Colleens' father was going through and how it was handled and who eventually was blamed (sort of) for it conclusion.

I disliked how the author went into length prose and overly deep inner dialoguing but I can see why it was done.
And I really did not like nor seem to be able to connect with Beckett (you'll see!)

Still, this was a rich and fulfilling read.



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The Friends We Keep by Jane Green

The Friends We Keep by Jane Green
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3 1/2 stars

This was a very engaging read that covers the decades of the eighties until today. that in itself was an interesting ride for me. People of a certain age mainly think a historical is set in the fifties or earlier -I am glad to see that some writers are taking into consideration that the '70s and '80s are now a bit 'historical!

I almost gave up on this story when I found it contained one of my most disliked tropes in female fiction and that is making the friends a white woman, a foreign or another skinned woman, and a gay man. However, for this book, it really worked.

This book deals with so many issues of the day and some of these issues continue even now. For instance - fat shaming leading to drug use, alcoholism and AIDs. There was no gay bashing and for that, I was very thankful.

This book was filled with very serious problems, unexpected deaths, surprises, and a wonderful resolution. It is not a light fluffy read by any means, but I would still consider it a great beach read and I would recommend this book highly.

*ARC supplied by publisher


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The Brides of the Big Valley: 3 Romances from a Unique Pennsylvania Amish Community

The Brides of the Big Valley: 3 Romances from a Unique Pennsylvania Amish Community by Wanda E. Brunstetter
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

3 Short Stories of Love in a Unique Amish Community In an area of Pennsylvania called The Big Valley, a uniquely blended Amish community thrives in which 3 distinct groups of Amish identify themselves by the colors of their buggy’s top—white, black, or yellow. Join New York Times Bestselling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter, her daughter-in-law, and granddaughter in experiencing the stories of three young women who search for faith and love within this special place. Deanna is a widow who sees her second chance of love slipping away. Rose Mary is at a point in life where she must choose the path of her faith and the right man to walk with her on it. Leila is burdened with family responsibilities and wonders when she will ever start a family of her own.

Review:

I'm very sorry to say that I did not enjoy this book as much as I had expected to. Two out of three of the stories were very depressing (in my opinion), yes they did have the romantic HEA, but with daily life...not so much. The first story could almost be considered a tragedy.

The second problem I had was with how the forward was written. This book contains at least three different sects f the Amish and the author of the forward never did give an adequate enough description of the sects for me to fully understand them.

Novella 1 - Deanna's Determination -this was a story of tragedy overcome.
Novella 2 - Rosemary’s Resolve -this one was about an English youth falling for an Amish girl and what they had to overcome.
Novella 3 -Leila’s Longing -this one is a bit more difficult to describe in one sentence. I had problems with understanding Leila's issues (I thought for a while that she had mild Autism) and I also found that the tragedy that befallen Leila' family was unnecessary to forward the story.

*ARC supplied by publisher.


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