Showing posts with label Family Drama. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family Drama. 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
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
Wit's End - Karen Joy Fowler
one sentence summary:
everything has gone wrong in Rima's life and she has moved into her eccentric godmother's house.
review
the writing was good but the story was fragmented, there were entire side stories that could have (and probably should have) been removed by the editor. The characters all felt only half developed but they all had much potential, I guess it felt rushed, like if only Fowler had taken a bit more time with it it could have been fantastic. The plot was great and the ideas were all really well plotted out.To me it feels like she had an idea playing in her head for years and then her publisher put her on a way to short time line to finish it. Still good enough I don't regret reading it
5/10
everything has gone wrong in Rima's life and she has moved into her eccentric godmother's house.
review
the writing was good but the story was fragmented, there were entire side stories that could have (and probably should have) been removed by the editor. The characters all felt only half developed but they all had much potential, I guess it felt rushed, like if only Fowler had taken a bit more time with it it could have been fantastic. The plot was great and the ideas were all really well plotted out.To me it feels like she had an idea playing in her head for years and then her publisher put her on a way to short time line to finish it. Still good enough I don't regret reading it
5/10
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
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
The Walking Dead: Rise of the Governor - Robert Kirkman & Jay Bonansinga
one sentence summary:
Where did the Governor come from and how did he come to rule Woodbury with such streangth
review:
This tells the back story to the Governor (the main villan for a good portion of the graphic novel series). It is well written and brings a lot to the Walking Dead universe. I don't want to give anything away so all I will say is, if you are a fan of the series READ THIS BOOK.
6/10
Where did the Governor come from and how did he come to rule Woodbury with such streangth
review:
This tells the back story to the Governor (the main villan for a good portion of the graphic novel series). It is well written and brings a lot to the Walking Dead universe. I don't want to give anything away so all I will say is, if you are a fan of the series READ THIS BOOK.
6/10
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
You Went Away - Timothy Findly
one sentence summary:
a woman struggles to keep from falling apart during WWII
review:
this is a beautiful work, short and with no wasted words. The emotions it dragged me through were more than enough to last a life time. There was so much tragedy and love expressed in the short work it was amazing that Findly could express his story with such flow and consistency (not to mention beautiful prose). It is a really short read, just go read it.
9/10
a woman struggles to keep from falling apart during WWII
review:
this is a beautiful work, short and with no wasted words. The emotions it dragged me through were more than enough to last a life time. There was so much tragedy and love expressed in the short work it was amazing that Findly could express his story with such flow and consistency (not to mention beautiful prose). It is a really short read, just go read it.
9/10
Under the Dome - Stephen King
one sentence summary:
A dome encases a small town cutting them off from the rest of the world.
review:
in true Steven King style this thriller looks more at the horrors man can do onto themselves that that of any outside force. By putting people in a stressful situation and seeing how they would react to the situation and each other is a far more spellbinding and terrifying read than any monsters in the closet could create. A look at this small town functions as a representation of the world at large with characters representing every mindset. The novel has parts that are really badly edited but for the most part it is enjoyable.
7/10
A dome encases a small town cutting them off from the rest of the world.
review:
in true Steven King style this thriller looks more at the horrors man can do onto themselves that that of any outside force. By putting people in a stressful situation and seeing how they would react to the situation and each other is a far more spellbinding and terrifying read than any monsters in the closet could create. A look at this small town functions as a representation of the world at large with characters representing every mindset. The novel has parts that are really badly edited but for the most part it is enjoyable.
7/10
Songs of Willow Frost - Jamie Ford
one sentence summary:
tracing on two converging time lines the life of a 12 year old boy and his mother from before the had her baby we find a story of strength and sorrow.
review:
I really really really enjoyed this story, that said the writing was a bit scattered from time to time and I feel that a stronger editor could have refined the novel to near perfection. I loved the historical aspects of it, I felt fully submersed in 1920's Seattle and leaving the novel behind took a while every time I had to put the book down. The story was mostly heart breaking but in a beautiful and forgivable way. I recommend this novel to anyone who is looking for something good to read.
8/10
tracing on two converging time lines the life of a 12 year old boy and his mother from before the had her baby we find a story of strength and sorrow.
review:
I really really really enjoyed this story, that said the writing was a bit scattered from time to time and I feel that a stronger editor could have refined the novel to near perfection. I loved the historical aspects of it, I felt fully submersed in 1920's Seattle and leaving the novel behind took a while every time I had to put the book down. The story was mostly heart breaking but in a beautiful and forgivable way. I recommend this novel to anyone who is looking for something good to read.
8/10
Baby Drive South - Stephanie Bond
one sentence summary:
The Armstrong brothers are rebuilding their tornado ravaged hometown and place and advertisement for women to move to the town, love is in the air.
review:
full of quirky characters and miss-communications this novel is a perfect example of modern chick-lit. A quirky character falls for another quirky character, they meet and then hate each other and then reconcile and then hate each other again and then end with a happily ever after. The story is full of laugh out loud moments and is perfect for a day at the beach or a day on the train. Fluffy and light.
7/10
Last Known Victim - Erica Spindler
one sentence summary:
in the years since hurricane Katrina Patti O'Shay has wondered what exactly happened to her husband during the storm, she is about to find a clue.
review:
A well written romantic suspense, it has all the twist and turns and pacing you would expect from a best selling romantic suspense author. The characters are recycled from earlier books but the focal point has shifted. The supporting "damsel in distress" character was by far my favourite, a tough talking stripper who helps the cops out. I recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys the category.
6/10
in the years since hurricane Katrina Patti O'Shay has wondered what exactly happened to her husband during the storm, she is about to find a clue.
review:
A well written romantic suspense, it has all the twist and turns and pacing you would expect from a best selling romantic suspense author. The characters are recycled from earlier books but the focal point has shifted. The supporting "damsel in distress" character was by far my favourite, a tough talking stripper who helps the cops out. I recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys the category.
6/10
The White Princess - Phillipa Gregory
one sentence summary:
Elizabeth of York must marry the King of England but can she ever love him??
review:
I am a real sucker for historical novels based mostly on fact with nicely added flourishes and this fits that bill. I have read the other novels in this series and this does not let me down, beautiful descriptions of clothing, an intricate understanding of "position" in the royal court and so many historical details it had me running to google to see who actually married whom and what alliances lasted etc. This is a great read for anyone who enjoys romance and historical fiction.
9/10
Elizabeth of York must marry the King of England but can she ever love him??
review:
I am a real sucker for historical novels based mostly on fact with nicely added flourishes and this fits that bill. I have read the other novels in this series and this does not let me down, beautiful descriptions of clothing, an intricate understanding of "position" in the royal court and so many historical details it had me running to google to see who actually married whom and what alliances lasted etc. This is a great read for anyone who enjoys romance and historical fiction.
9/10
Earth to Hell - Kylie Chan
one sentence summary:
Emma's adventure continues as she raises Simone and hopes one day to be reunited with her beloved John.
review:
less than ideal, this novel doesn't live up to expectations. I was hoping that it would continue the story where the first trilogy left off, but instead it jumps forward in time and the only character that is even recognizable is Emma. I found it frustrating how little they had bothered to sort out in the 8 years between the books, it is as if their lives froze (so as to not miss any plot points) but 8 years went by. *sigh* such a disappointing read, but I will read the next two in hopes they get better.
5/10
Emma's adventure continues as she raises Simone and hopes one day to be reunited with her beloved John.
review:
less than ideal, this novel doesn't live up to expectations. I was hoping that it would continue the story where the first trilogy left off, but instead it jumps forward in time and the only character that is even recognizable is Emma. I found it frustrating how little they had bothered to sort out in the 8 years between the books, it is as if their lives froze (so as to not miss any plot points) but 8 years went by. *sigh* such a disappointing read, but I will read the next two in hopes they get better.
5/10
Lake of Dreams - Kim Edwards
one sentence summary:
a woman returns home after years away and is amazed by the changes that have occurred and through them comes to terms with her past.
review:
I enjoyed this novel, the main character is a woman who had moved far away from home to avoid having to deal with her family drama. She returns to her home town and is amazed by all of the changes that have taken place. I hated her for large portions of the book but once she started realizing how stupid she was being my opinion of her turned around. It is well written and the characters are all well thought out and develop along with the story. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys well written stories of self discovery.
8/10
a woman returns home after years away and is amazed by the changes that have occurred and through them comes to terms with her past.
review:
I enjoyed this novel, the main character is a woman who had moved far away from home to avoid having to deal with her family drama. She returns to her home town and is amazed by all of the changes that have taken place. I hated her for large portions of the book but once she started realizing how stupid she was being my opinion of her turned around. It is well written and the characters are all well thought out and develop along with the story. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys well written stories of self discovery.
8/10
Darkborn - Alison Sinclair
One Sentence Summary:
There are two races, one born of light the other of darkness, they coexist but what happens when something threatens both races??
review:
This was better than I expected it to be. The characters were fairly stock, not a lot going on with most of them but there are enough entertaining quirks that they kept me interested in what was happening to them. And that was the strong point of the book, a fast paced plot that keeps the pages turning. I recommend this to you if you enjoyed the Hunger Games series.
8/10 middle/high school (the people who like hunger games)
There are two races, one born of light the other of darkness, they coexist but what happens when something threatens both races??
review:
This was better than I expected it to be. The characters were fairly stock, not a lot going on with most of them but there are enough entertaining quirks that they kept me interested in what was happening to them. And that was the strong point of the book, a fast paced plot that keeps the pages turning. I recommend this to you if you enjoyed the Hunger Games series.
8/10 middle/high school (the people who like hunger games)
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
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