Showing posts with label Easy Read. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Easy Read. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
The Rossetti Letter - Christi Phillips
An easy read that is reminiscent of Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code, an adventure in the modern day solving a historical mystery. The writing is pretty good, and both story lines (Past and Present) work well together, no part to long no part to short. I would recommend this to anyone who liked the Da Vinci Code and is looking for a light read.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
The Honey Queen - Cathy Kelly
one sentence summary:
The town of Redstone has an eclectic cast of characters who interact with each other as only small town people can.
review:
This was a heartwarming read, full of people struggling with life that in the end find happiness. The writing is quick and the descriptions of setting are fantastic. The characters are all connected in unexpected ways and there is a personality for everyone to relate to included in the story. I enjoyed the read, it made me smile to myself a lot. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a light, happy read.
8/10
The town of Redstone has an eclectic cast of characters who interact with each other as only small town people can.
review:
This was a heartwarming read, full of people struggling with life that in the end find happiness. The writing is quick and the descriptions of setting are fantastic. The characters are all connected in unexpected ways and there is a personality for everyone to relate to included in the story. I enjoyed the read, it made me smile to myself a lot. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a light, happy read.
8/10
Sunday, March 2, 2014
One Hundred Names - Cecelia Ahern
one sentence summary:
Kitty is a disgraced reporter and her mentor has just died leaving her the task of finishing one last story.
review:
This is a beautiful story, it is uplifting and enthusiastic about people. It strives to show that every person has good within them and everyone has a story worth listening to too! I found myself smiling with every turn of the page. The characters are all fantastic. I recommend everyone read this, it is good for your soul.
9/10
Kitty is a disgraced reporter and her mentor has just died leaving her the task of finishing one last story.
review:
This is a beautiful story, it is uplifting and enthusiastic about people. It strives to show that every person has good within them and everyone has a story worth listening to too! I found myself smiling with every turn of the page. The characters are all fantastic. I recommend everyone read this, it is good for your soul.
9/10
Sex, Lies and Online Dating - Rachel Gibson
one sentence summary
A romance author doing research for her upcoming novel sets up an internet date with an undercover cop looking for a serial killer... sparks fly
review
This was a cute read, the main characters were all likeable (if not totally believable) and the story kept a good pace so was easy to jump back into for short bouts (I read it on my lunch breaks). Apparently this is book 1 in a series and it was well written enough that I will pick up the other books in the series and give them a go at some point. I recommend this for people looking for a romantic pick me up.
7/10
A romance author doing research for her upcoming novel sets up an internet date with an undercover cop looking for a serial killer... sparks fly
review
This was a cute read, the main characters were all likeable (if not totally believable) and the story kept a good pace so was easy to jump back into for short bouts (I read it on my lunch breaks). Apparently this is book 1 in a series and it was well written enough that I will pick up the other books in the series and give them a go at some point. I recommend this for people looking for a romantic pick me up.
7/10
Ladies Night - Mary Kay Andrews
one sentence summary:
ordered to "Divorce Camp" by a corrupt judge unlikely friendships are struck.
review:
This was a great read, full of humour and intrigue. Andrews always writes with wit and keeps her story moving forward with just enough detail and great character development. The main character developed so much more than I expected in the story. The story was well worth reading, I hope that Andrews returns to these characters in forthcoming books. I recommend it to anyone looking for a happy story.
7/10
ordered to "Divorce Camp" by a corrupt judge unlikely friendships are struck.
review:
This was a great read, full of humour and intrigue. Andrews always writes with wit and keeps her story moving forward with just enough detail and great character development. The main character developed so much more than I expected in the story. The story was well worth reading, I hope that Andrews returns to these characters in forthcoming books. I recommend it to anyone looking for a happy story.
7/10
The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of her Own Making - Catherynne M Valente
one sentence summary:
September is 12 and she is tired of her boring old life so goes on a grand adventure.
review:
This is a brilliant story, it reminds me of a cross between Phantom Toll-Booth and Caroline. It is so well written that even though it is a children's book I am going to have to recommend everyone take the time and read it. The characters are all unique, there are no stereotypes or tropes to be found on the pages of this thrilling little story. The writing it self is beautiful, with poetry like prose on every page. With each new character comes a new adventure. Do yourself a favour and read this (also a great gift if you don't know what to get a 7-10 year old or for a baby shower... every kid should have this on their book shelve).
10/10
September is 12 and she is tired of her boring old life so goes on a grand adventure.
review:
This is a brilliant story, it reminds me of a cross between Phantom Toll-Booth and Caroline. It is so well written that even though it is a children's book I am going to have to recommend everyone take the time and read it. The characters are all unique, there are no stereotypes or tropes to be found on the pages of this thrilling little story. The writing it self is beautiful, with poetry like prose on every page. With each new character comes a new adventure. Do yourself a favour and read this (also a great gift if you don't know what to get a 7-10 year old or for a baby shower... every kid should have this on their book shelve).
10/10
Baby Drive South Trilogy - Stephanie Bond
one sentence summary
The Armstrong brothers are determined to rebuild their home town, along the way they are distracted by love.
review
Very typical of this genre, quick and easy romance stories to feel good about (a half step above harlequin as far as writing quality). Characters that are based strongly on stereotypes falling in love and then refusing to admit it etc. A great read all around. I recommend them to anyone who enjoys a bit of romance in their life.
6/10
The Armstrong brothers are determined to rebuild their home town, along the way they are distracted by love.
review
Very typical of this genre, quick and easy romance stories to feel good about (a half step above harlequin as far as writing quality). Characters that are based strongly on stereotypes falling in love and then refusing to admit it etc. A great read all around. I recommend them to anyone who enjoys a bit of romance in their life.
6/10
A Simple Winter - Rosalind Lauer
one sentence summary
an outsider falls in love with an Amish man and his family.
review
Really well written, with a setting that makes you want to give up all the modern day conveniences, characters you want to befriend and a story line that, though predictable, draws you in and takes you on a journey. Every single character, no mater how short their time in the story, became a distinct and drawn out person (I have no idea how Lauer pulled it off). The romance really bites into you and you can't pull yourself back out of it, you just have to ride with it until the final choices are made. It is a great book, perfect for a snowy afternoon.
8/10
an outsider falls in love with an Amish man and his family.
review
Really well written, with a setting that makes you want to give up all the modern day conveniences, characters you want to befriend and a story line that, though predictable, draws you in and takes you on a journey. Every single character, no mater how short their time in the story, became a distinct and drawn out person (I have no idea how Lauer pulled it off). The romance really bites into you and you can't pull yourself back out of it, you just have to ride with it until the final choices are made. It is a great book, perfect for a snowy afternoon.
8/10
Blood Red - Heather Graham
one sentence summary
In New Orleans for a bridal shower get away three normal women find themselves wrapped up in the world of vampires.
review
Writing typical of Graham, with reliance on cliches and tropes but with enough character development to draw you in. I would recommend this to anyone who likes trashy vampire romance, good reading for a distracted day.
7/10
In New Orleans for a bridal shower get away three normal women find themselves wrapped up in the world of vampires.
review
Writing typical of Graham, with reliance on cliches and tropes but with enough character development to draw you in. I would recommend this to anyone who likes trashy vampire romance, good reading for a distracted day.
7/10
First Grave on the Right - Darynda Jones
one sentence summary:
Charley is a sexy keep no prisoner grim reaper who in addition to helping the dead cross over helps her uncle, a police officer, solve crimes.
review:
This had a great premise but the writing was not so good. It relied on tropes and cliches to the point of a prime time television show. It would be ok for a day at the beach but there are thousands of better authors out there, some who even write for Harlequin. I will not be continuing to read this series, which is disappointing because of how intriguing the premise was. It did have its moments of great humour though, perhaps Jones should consider a career in stand up or television writing.
5/10
Charley is a sexy keep no prisoner grim reaper who in addition to helping the dead cross over helps her uncle, a police officer, solve crimes.
review:
This had a great premise but the writing was not so good. It relied on tropes and cliches to the point of a prime time television show. It would be ok for a day at the beach but there are thousands of better authors out there, some who even write for Harlequin. I will not be continuing to read this series, which is disappointing because of how intriguing the premise was. It did have its moments of great humour though, perhaps Jones should consider a career in stand up or television writing.
5/10
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Souvenir - Terese Foewler
one sentence summary:
A woman's life has become mundane but all of that is about to change.
review:
This is a truly heart wrenching story, it literally made tears run down my face more than once. The writing is beautiful and the characters are so well developed that the way the react to the situations they are put in are exactly the way we think they will (but might hope they wont). I highly recommend this to anyone who likes the Nicholas Sparks, Jodi Picoult, Kristin Hannah style of story telling.
9/10
A woman's life has become mundane but all of that is about to change.
review:
This is a truly heart wrenching story, it literally made tears run down my face more than once. The writing is beautiful and the characters are so well developed that the way the react to the situations they are put in are exactly the way we think they will (but might hope they wont). I highly recommend this to anyone who likes the Nicholas Sparks, Jodi Picoult, Kristin Hannah style of story telling.
9/10
Anybody Out There - Marian Keyes
one sentence summary:
A woman was in a terrible accident and has returned home to Dublin from New York with her very supportive family to sort her life back out.
review:
This was a hilarious read with a really sad twist (that I didn't see coming) and a happy(ish) ending. I really enjoyed the quirky writing style and the oddball characters of Keyes universe. There was something really relatable about every character, even the ones you don't want to relate to you still do. It is a quick read and I recommend it for anyone who like heavier than average chick lit.
8/10
A woman was in a terrible accident and has returned home to Dublin from New York with her very supportive family to sort her life back out.
review:
This was a hilarious read with a really sad twist (that I didn't see coming) and a happy(ish) ending. I really enjoyed the quirky writing style and the oddball characters of Keyes universe. There was something really relatable about every character, even the ones you don't want to relate to you still do. It is a quick read and I recommend it for anyone who like heavier than average chick lit.
8/10
Out of Body (Court of Angels) - Stella Cameron
one sentence summary:
a psychic woman from a family of people with "special abilities" falls in love while helping solve a serial killers killing spree.
review:
written to the typical standards of trashy romance stories, this is a good one. The characters are all lovable, especially the back ground characters (you can tell who Stella Cameron is going to focus on in the sequels). The writing is not great but there are no grammatical errors so it did have a better than average editor. I recommend it for plane or train reading.
6/10
a psychic woman from a family of people with "special abilities" falls in love while helping solve a serial killers killing spree.
review:
written to the typical standards of trashy romance stories, this is a good one. The characters are all lovable, especially the back ground characters (you can tell who Stella Cameron is going to focus on in the sequels). The writing is not great but there are no grammatical errors so it did have a better than average editor. I recommend it for plane or train reading.
6/10
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Love in a Nutshell - Janet Evanovitch & Dorien Kelly
one sentence summary
Kate life fell apart and she is looking for a change in pace so moves to her old family summer home which is falling apart around her but she has dreams of making it into a B&B.
review
This story was great! Exactly what one expects from Evanovich, a quirky romance with lovable characters and a dash of drama and adventure. The writing is witty and fast paced with new twists and turns introduced just as you are getting a rhythm in the story which creates a very exciting page turning read. It is very formulaic but it is a formula I like. It you also like predictable love stories with lovable characters read this one too!
8/10
Kate life fell apart and she is looking for a change in pace so moves to her old family summer home which is falling apart around her but she has dreams of making it into a B&B.
review
This story was great! Exactly what one expects from Evanovich, a quirky romance with lovable characters and a dash of drama and adventure. The writing is witty and fast paced with new twists and turns introduced just as you are getting a rhythm in the story which creates a very exciting page turning read. It is very formulaic but it is a formula I like. It you also like predictable love stories with lovable characters read this one too!
8/10
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Sins of the Flesh - Caridad Pineiro
one sentence summary
genetic experiment gone wrong finds love when a mercenary is sent to clean up the scientists mess (with her being the most volatile mess left behind)
review
a strong start to a new series, it has everything, action, adventure, romance and science fiction all well executed and combined to make a great story. The characters are all really well developed and as Cat and Mick's relationship unfolds you will be drawn in to their world. This novel has ups and downs that keep you guessing and interested from beginning to end. A definite page turner.
6/10
genetic experiment gone wrong finds love when a mercenary is sent to clean up the scientists mess (with her being the most volatile mess left behind)
review
a strong start to a new series, it has everything, action, adventure, romance and science fiction all well executed and combined to make a great story. The characters are all really well developed and as Cat and Mick's relationship unfolds you will be drawn in to their world. This novel has ups and downs that keep you guessing and interested from beginning to end. A definite page turner.
6/10
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Faeries Gone Wild - Mary-Janice Davidson, Michelle Hauf, Lois Greiman, Leandra Logan
one sentence summary
A collection of four short stories all with happy endings and a dash of love.
review
Mary Janice: absolutely hilarious with characters from her other novels flitting about. Well written and witty - the best story in the book for sure.
Michelle: another hilarious story, the tooth fairy is losing her job because the mothers in her district are forcing their kids to stop believing. She has to figure out a way to save her job with the help of a hunky sandman. a story worth reading for sure.
Lois: an author I hadn't read buy will keep an eye out for. Her story was sweet but she was trying to fit too much plot into too few pages. Well written if a bit rushed feeling.
Leandra: the age old story of trying to find your place in the world, well told and entertaining but ultimately forgettable.
8/10
A collection of four short stories all with happy endings and a dash of love.
review
Mary Janice: absolutely hilarious with characters from her other novels flitting about. Well written and witty - the best story in the book for sure.
Michelle: another hilarious story, the tooth fairy is losing her job because the mothers in her district are forcing their kids to stop believing. She has to figure out a way to save her job with the help of a hunky sandman. a story worth reading for sure.
Lois: an author I hadn't read buy will keep an eye out for. Her story was sweet but she was trying to fit too much plot into too few pages. Well written if a bit rushed feeling.
Leandra: the age old story of trying to find your place in the world, well told and entertaining but ultimately forgettable.
8/10
Monday, October 14, 2013
Porch Lights - Dorothea Benton Frank
one sentence summary
A woman trying to pull her life back together takes her son moves home to her parents house for the summer.
review:
not a badly written book, I enjoyed the perspectives that it offered and the detailed descriptions of South Carolina. The romance was a bit forced but the other relationships, mother/daughter, grandmother/grandson, and that of the grandmother/grandfather characters were all very well done. The story starts out from a dark and depressed place and ends with a happy ending. The writing style reminded me of Kristin Hannah / Jodi Picoult.
7/10
A woman trying to pull her life back together takes her son moves home to her parents house for the summer.
review:
not a badly written book, I enjoyed the perspectives that it offered and the detailed descriptions of South Carolina. The romance was a bit forced but the other relationships, mother/daughter, grandmother/grandson, and that of the grandmother/grandfather characters were all very well done. The story starts out from a dark and depressed place and ends with a happy ending. The writing style reminded me of Kristin Hannah / Jodi Picoult.
7/10
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Henry Huggins - Beverly Cleary
One Sentence Summary:
A boy and his dog overcome the obstacles that face boys as they grow up.
Review:
heartwarming stories aimed at middle-school (and maybe younger) boys. Written using language that young boys can read themselves and overlapping with other characters in the quirky suburban world that Cleary has created. A 1950's world with ice cream cones and long summer days when a boy and his dog could have adventures and even take the bus without a parent, well before the advent of televisions in every room and video games to play on them. I highly recommend this to any boy (or girl) who likes reading.
8/10
A boy and his dog overcome the obstacles that face boys as they grow up.
Review:
heartwarming stories aimed at middle-school (and maybe younger) boys. Written using language that young boys can read themselves and overlapping with other characters in the quirky suburban world that Cleary has created. A 1950's world with ice cream cones and long summer days when a boy and his dog could have adventures and even take the bus without a parent, well before the advent of televisions in every room and video games to play on them. I highly recommend this to any boy (or girl) who likes reading.
8/10
Friday, August 23, 2013
Tall, Dark and Dead - Tate Hallaway
one sentence summary
a witch has a goddess living in her but this doesn't keep her from falling for a warlock vampire...
review
this book could have been better, the main character is great as are some of the supporting characters but the rest of the plot falls short. The writing is strong at points but it falls flat when it comes to dialogue. It was disappointing that the writing wasn't better as it would have added to the story to actually use language from the era of the characters. I will still read the rest of the series at some point when I can buy them at discounted prices. I recommend this if you like quirky stories with a paranormal twist.
6/10
a witch has a goddess living in her but this doesn't keep her from falling for a warlock vampire...
review
this book could have been better, the main character is great as are some of the supporting characters but the rest of the plot falls short. The writing is strong at points but it falls flat when it comes to dialogue. It was disappointing that the writing wasn't better as it would have added to the story to actually use language from the era of the characters. I will still read the rest of the series at some point when I can buy them at discounted prices. I recommend this if you like quirky stories with a paranormal twist.
6/10
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
The Delaney Christmas Carol - Kay Hooper, Iris Johansen and Fayrene Preston
one sentence summary:
many generations of the Delaney family have looked into the magic mirror and seen a glimpse of the future, these are three of those stories.
Review:
none of these stories were particularly well conceived or well written. Iris Johansen's was the best in my opinion and the other two weren't much worse. All three felt rushed and without strong plots. The Delaney family, however, does seem like a family worth writing about and I will probably seek out more of their stories.
4/10
many generations of the Delaney family have looked into the magic mirror and seen a glimpse of the future, these are three of those stories.
Review:
none of these stories were particularly well conceived or well written. Iris Johansen's was the best in my opinion and the other two weren't much worse. All three felt rushed and without strong plots. The Delaney family, however, does seem like a family worth writing about and I will probably seek out more of their stories.
4/10
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