2013 BOOK CHALLENGE! Are you in?
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wilma-bride
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#64 - Always the Baker, Never the Bride by Sandra D Bricker
They say you cant have your cake and eat it too.
But who would want a cake they couldnt eat?
Just ask Emma Rae Travis about that. A baker of confections who is diabetic and cant enjoy them. When Emma meets Jackson Drake, the escapee from Corporate America who is starting a wedding destination hotel to fulfill a dream that belonged to someone else, this twosome and their crazy family ties bring new meaning to the term "family circus." The Atlanta social scene will never be the same!
I downloaded this book last year, when it was a freebie. I see now that, on Amazon, the Kindle version of this book is £8.35 (approx. $13). Let me say here and now that I would never pay that for this book, it is absolutely not worth that. For a freebie, however, it was pretty good. Let's face it, with most books like these, you know how it is going to end so it is really a case of how good a job the author does with how he or she takes you there. In this case, that jo0urney was just OK. I read it pretty quickly but that was more because I was eager to finish it, rather than out of any real enjoyment for the book. A light-hearted, fru-fru beach read, slightly contrived in places but entertaining enough. Overall 2/5.
#65 - Please Don't Take My Baby by Cathy Glass
Im going to love my baby and give her lots of attention, Jade said. Ill show my mum shes wrong.
Jade, 17, is pregnant, homeless and alone when shes brought to live with Cathy. Jade is desperate to keep her baby, but little more than a child herself, she struggles with the responsibilities her daughter brings.
Cathy is worried as soon as Jade arrives: shes never looked after a pregnant teenager before, but none of the mother and baby carers is free, and seventeen years old, seven months pregnant and homeless Jade is in a desperate situation.
But Jade doesnt want to listen or advice and although her daughter is born safely it isnt long before Jades in trouble with the police.
Cathy knows that Jade loves her daughter with all her heart, but will she be able to get through to Jade in time to make her realise just how much she might lose?
This is another of those books in the 'true-life' genre. It is the story of a young, unmarried girl who is pregnant at 17 and has some issues, her Mum throws her out of the house and she ends up living with Cathy (the author), an experienced foster carer. While it touches on some sensitive issues, it is written in a way that is not too deep or heavy. I really got to care about Jade (and Cathy) throughout the book and was silently hoping for a good outcome. It is probably not surprising that I shed tears in a few places. If anybody has read any of Torey Haydn's books, this is of the same ilk. I have a few more books written by this author and suspect they will be quite 'samey' but it was a great read nonetheless. The fact that I finished this book in less than 24 hours is probably reflective of that. A pretty good 4/5.
They say you cant have your cake and eat it too.
But who would want a cake they couldnt eat?
Just ask Emma Rae Travis about that. A baker of confections who is diabetic and cant enjoy them. When Emma meets Jackson Drake, the escapee from Corporate America who is starting a wedding destination hotel to fulfill a dream that belonged to someone else, this twosome and their crazy family ties bring new meaning to the term "family circus." The Atlanta social scene will never be the same!
I downloaded this book last year, when it was a freebie. I see now that, on Amazon, the Kindle version of this book is £8.35 (approx. $13). Let me say here and now that I would never pay that for this book, it is absolutely not worth that. For a freebie, however, it was pretty good. Let's face it, with most books like these, you know how it is going to end so it is really a case of how good a job the author does with how he or she takes you there. In this case, that jo0urney was just OK. I read it pretty quickly but that was more because I was eager to finish it, rather than out of any real enjoyment for the book. A light-hearted, fru-fru beach read, slightly contrived in places but entertaining enough. Overall 2/5.
#65 - Please Don't Take My Baby by Cathy Glass
Im going to love my baby and give her lots of attention, Jade said. Ill show my mum shes wrong.
Jade, 17, is pregnant, homeless and alone when shes brought to live with Cathy. Jade is desperate to keep her baby, but little more than a child herself, she struggles with the responsibilities her daughter brings.
Cathy is worried as soon as Jade arrives: shes never looked after a pregnant teenager before, but none of the mother and baby carers is free, and seventeen years old, seven months pregnant and homeless Jade is in a desperate situation.
But Jade doesnt want to listen or advice and although her daughter is born safely it isnt long before Jades in trouble with the police.
Cathy knows that Jade loves her daughter with all her heart, but will she be able to get through to Jade in time to make her realise just how much she might lose?
This is another of those books in the 'true-life' genre. It is the story of a young, unmarried girl who is pregnant at 17 and has some issues, her Mum throws her out of the house and she ends up living with Cathy (the author), an experienced foster carer. While it touches on some sensitive issues, it is written in a way that is not too deep or heavy. I really got to care about Jade (and Cathy) throughout the book and was silently hoping for a good outcome. It is probably not surprising that I shed tears in a few places. If anybody has read any of Torey Haydn's books, this is of the same ilk. I have a few more books written by this author and suspect they will be quite 'samey' but it was a great read nonetheless. The fact that I finished this book in less than 24 hours is probably reflective of that. A pretty good 4/5.
I fiinished City of Bones over the weekend. I didn't like it at first but it grew on me as the book went on. I think I'll finish the rest of the series. Not sure if I'll see the movie though!
Next up is Under the Dome. The size of that book is intimidating!
Next up is Under the Dome. The size of that book is intimidating!
threeboysmom
Living the dream - near Disney!
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2001
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- 9,428
threeboysmom
Living the dream - near Disney!
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2001
- Messages
- 9,428
Book #31 out of 50 (finally on track!)
Summerland by Elin Hilderbrand
A warm June evening, a local tradition: the students of Nantucket High have gathered for a bonfire on the beach. But what begins as a graduation night celebration ends in tragedy after a horrible car crash leaves the driver of the car, Penny Alistair, dead, and her twin brother in a coma. The other passengers, Penny's boyfriend Jake and her friend Demeter, are physically unhurt - but the emotional damage is overwhelming, and questions linger about what happened before Penny took the wheel. As summer unfolds, startling truths are revealed about the survivors and their parents - secrets kept, promises broken, hearts betrayed. Elin Hilderbrand explores the power of community, family, and honesty, and proves that even from the ashes of sorrow, new love can still take flight.
I chose this book simply because the setting was Nantucket so I figured it would be a perfect summer read. Even though there wasn't much of a "plot," I loved getting to know the characters and the close-knit community. There were no twists, no surprises, not much "action," but an endearing story nonetheless. This book reminded me of Jodi Picoult's writing. If you enjoy her books, you'd probably enjoy this one too.... especially during summer.
Next up: Five Days in May by Ninie Hammon (my mom couldn't put this one down while we were on a trip together so I'm giving it a try even though it wasn't originally on my list for this summer)
Summerland by Elin Hilderbrand
A warm June evening, a local tradition: the students of Nantucket High have gathered for a bonfire on the beach. But what begins as a graduation night celebration ends in tragedy after a horrible car crash leaves the driver of the car, Penny Alistair, dead, and her twin brother in a coma. The other passengers, Penny's boyfriend Jake and her friend Demeter, are physically unhurt - but the emotional damage is overwhelming, and questions linger about what happened before Penny took the wheel. As summer unfolds, startling truths are revealed about the survivors and their parents - secrets kept, promises broken, hearts betrayed. Elin Hilderbrand explores the power of community, family, and honesty, and proves that even from the ashes of sorrow, new love can still take flight.
I chose this book simply because the setting was Nantucket so I figured it would be a perfect summer read. Even though there wasn't much of a "plot," I loved getting to know the characters and the close-knit community. There were no twists, no surprises, not much "action," but an endearing story nonetheless. This book reminded me of Jodi Picoult's writing. If you enjoy her books, you'd probably enjoy this one too.... especially during summer.
Next up: Five Days in May by Ninie Hammon (my mom couldn't put this one down while we were on a trip together so I'm giving it a try even though it wasn't originally on my list for this summer)
Vacation reading:
# 19 Hattie Ever After by Kirby Larson
YA sequel to Hattie Big Sky,which I enjoyed more. 3/5
# 20 Life of Pi by Yann Martel
Wow - what an ending! 5/5
#21 Hostile Witness by Rebecca Forster
Kindle freebie with characters that I cared about and held my interest. 4/5
#22 Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
More like a series of short stories with a common thread. 5/5
# 19 Hattie Ever After by Kirby Larson
YA sequel to Hattie Big Sky,which I enjoyed more. 3/5
# 20 Life of Pi by Yann Martel
Wow - what an ending! 5/5
#21 Hostile Witness by Rebecca Forster
Kindle freebie with characters that I cared about and held my interest. 4/5
#22 Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
More like a series of short stories with a common thread. 5/5
3smithboys
DIS Veteran
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- Aug 22, 2008
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Book #31 A Week in Winter by Maeve Binchy
I enjoyed this book... it was typical Maeve Binchy storytelling. It's a great summer read. Here's what it's about...
Stoneybridge is a small town on the west coast of Ireland where all the families know one another. When Chicky Starr decides to take an old, decaying mansion set high on the cliffs overlooking the windswept Atlantic Ocean and turn it into a restful place for a holiday by the sea, everyone thinks she is crazy. Helped by Rigger (a bad boy turned good who is handy around the house) and Orla, her niece (a whiz at business), Chicky is finally ready to welcome the first guests to Stone Houses big warm kitchen, log fires, and understated elegant bedrooms. John, the American movie star, thinks he has arrived incognito; Winnie and Lillian are forced into taking a holiday together; Nicola and Henry, husband and wife, have been shaken by seeing too much death practicing medicine; Anders hates his fathers business, but has a real talent for music; Miss Nell Howe, a retired schoolteacher, criticizes everything and leaves a day early, much to everyones relief; the Walls are disappointed to have won this second-prize holiday in a contest where first prize was Paris; and Freda, the librarian, is afraid of her own psychic visions.
Sharing a week with this unlikely cast of characters is pure joy, full of Maeves trademark warmth and humor. Once again, she embraces us with her grand storytelling.
I enjoyed this book... it was typical Maeve Binchy storytelling. It's a great summer read. Here's what it's about...
Stoneybridge is a small town on the west coast of Ireland where all the families know one another. When Chicky Starr decides to take an old, decaying mansion set high on the cliffs overlooking the windswept Atlantic Ocean and turn it into a restful place for a holiday by the sea, everyone thinks she is crazy. Helped by Rigger (a bad boy turned good who is handy around the house) and Orla, her niece (a whiz at business), Chicky is finally ready to welcome the first guests to Stone Houses big warm kitchen, log fires, and understated elegant bedrooms. John, the American movie star, thinks he has arrived incognito; Winnie and Lillian are forced into taking a holiday together; Nicola and Henry, husband and wife, have been shaken by seeing too much death practicing medicine; Anders hates his fathers business, but has a real talent for music; Miss Nell Howe, a retired schoolteacher, criticizes everything and leaves a day early, much to everyones relief; the Walls are disappointed to have won this second-prize holiday in a contest where first prize was Paris; and Freda, the librarian, is afraid of her own psychic visions.
Sharing a week with this unlikely cast of characters is pure joy, full of Maeves trademark warmth and humor. Once again, she embraces us with her grand storytelling.
/
willowsnn3
DIS Legend
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- Mar 1, 2009
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- 47,408
Goal 72
#53 The Tower by Gregg Andrew Hurwitz
Crime thriller about a psychotic killer who escapes from an 'unescapeable' prison & the ex FBI agent tracking him.
I did not like this book. The main character/hero was a real ----. No depth or redeeming qualities at all. A real 'man's man'. This is the first novel from this author and I feel it was very poorly written. I don't recommend it.
#53 The Tower by Gregg Andrew Hurwitz
Crime thriller about a psychotic killer who escapes from an 'unescapeable' prison & the ex FBI agent tracking him.
I did not like this book. The main character/hero was a real ----. No depth or redeeming qualities at all. A real 'man's man'. This is the first novel from this author and I feel it was very poorly written. I don't recommend it.
Christine
DIS Legend
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- Aug 31, 1999
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Just finished Neil Gaiman's The Ocean at the End of the Lane.
I actually really enjoyed this even though it was kind of "out there." Gaiman usually doesn't write adult fiction and that was somewhat noticeable (it seemed more YA to me), but I enjoyed the characters and definitely wanted to see how it played out.
I actually really enjoyed this even though it was kind of "out there." Gaiman usually doesn't write adult fiction and that was somewhat noticeable (it seemed more YA to me), but I enjoyed the characters and definitely wanted to see how it played out.
wvjules
DIS Legend
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- Mar 7, 2001
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- 14,624
Quick update: read Zoo - loved it except for the ending.
Also read Losing Hope - LOVED IT!!! It was great reading from Holders POV.
Now I'm reading Miss Petegrines home for peculiar children. I can't put it down.
Au revioir for now. Happy reading.
Also read Losing Hope - LOVED IT!!! It was great reading from Holders POV.
Now I'm reading Miss Petegrines home for peculiar children. I can't put it down.
Au revioir for now. Happy reading.
nemofans
DIS Veteran
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- Oct 25, 2007
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- 2,662
Finished book #51- If You Were Here by Alafair Burke
This was a good mystery about a friend that went missing 10 yrs ago & one day McKenna thinks she sees her. A quick read - 4/5 stars
Manhattan journalist McKenna Jordan is chasing the story of an unidentified woman who heroically pulled a teenaged boy from the subway tracks. When she locates a video that captures part of the incident, she thinks she has an edge on the competition scrambling to identify the mystery heroine, but is shocked to discover that the woman in the video bears a strong resemblance to Susan Hauptmann, a close friend who disappeared without a trace a decade earlier.
What would have been a short-lived metro story sends McKenna on a dangerous search for the missing woman—a search that will force her to unearth long-buried truths much closer to home…
Next book: The Last Original Wife
This was a good mystery about a friend that went missing 10 yrs ago & one day McKenna thinks she sees her. A quick read - 4/5 stars
Manhattan journalist McKenna Jordan is chasing the story of an unidentified woman who heroically pulled a teenaged boy from the subway tracks. When she locates a video that captures part of the incident, she thinks she has an edge on the competition scrambling to identify the mystery heroine, but is shocked to discover that the woman in the video bears a strong resemblance to Susan Hauptmann, a close friend who disappeared without a trace a decade earlier.
What would have been a short-lived metro story sends McKenna on a dangerous search for the missing woman—a search that will force her to unearth long-buried truths much closer to home…
Next book: The Last Original Wife
KrazyPete
skeleton
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- Jan 17, 2006
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Goal - 24 books
Book #16 - Old Man's War by John Scalzi - The author took half the book to set it up. Then, he proceeded into a few short stories of space warfare. All of this, I enjoyed just fine. It wasn't blowing my mind but it was good. It was asking some deep questions as only really good sci-fi can. But then, it got really good for about 40 pages near the end. So, the ending was good but I wanted more... another 100 pages at least!
It's got characters that are endearing right off the bat because they are elderly. Who doesn't like old people? The lead character is a widower who seems genuinely in love with his deceased wife. But, life goes on an old people who enlist in the Colonial Defense Force get kick butt, genetically modified, new super bodies! Recommended! 
Next up - Mystic River by Dennis Lehane - I don't know much about this one other than I get to watch a movie when I finish the book. I picked it up when the eBook was deeply discounted at B&N. At the time, I didn't have 100+ books on my "to read" list and if it was cheap, the title or author sounded familiar, and it was well-reviewed... I bought it! I'm a little more selective now because of the length of that previously mentioned "to read" list.
Book #16 - Old Man's War by John Scalzi - The author took half the book to set it up. Then, he proceeded into a few short stories of space warfare. All of this, I enjoyed just fine. It wasn't blowing my mind but it was good. It was asking some deep questions as only really good sci-fi can. But then, it got really good for about 40 pages near the end. So, the ending was good but I wanted more... another 100 pages at least!
It's got characters that are endearing right off the bat because they are elderly. Who doesn't like old people? The lead character is a widower who seems genuinely in love with his deceased wife. But, life goes on an old people who enlist in the Colonial Defense Force get kick butt, genetically modified, new super bodies! Recommended! Next up - Mystic River by Dennis Lehane - I don't know much about this one other than I get to watch a movie when I finish the book. I picked it up when the eBook was deeply discounted at B&N. At the time, I didn't have 100+ books on my "to read" list and if it was cheap, the title or author sounded familiar, and it was well-reviewed... I bought it! I'm a little more selective now because of the length of that previously mentioned "to read" list.
I've been hearing a lot about this book lately. I think I need to add it to my to-read list!
3smithboys
DIS Veteran
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- Aug 22, 2008
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I just did the same thing yesterday, and my library called today to say it's in!
Nice! I have so many things on hold at the library. They ended up calling me 3 times last week for 3 different books!
threeboysmom
Living the dream - near Disney!
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I hate when they all come in at once like that! Although it does make me read faster!
nemofans
DIS Veteran
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Finished book #52- The Last Original Wife by Dorothea Benton Frank
This was about a woman dealing with the fact that she is taken for granted by her husband & her husband's friends have divorced their wives for younger women. She hates having to spend time with these people & misses her friends (the ex-wives) while her husband doesn't find anything wrong w/what his friends have done. She decides she is tired of being treated like a housekeeper & finally takes charge of her own life. I did like this book & was really routing for her.
Leslie Anne Greene Carter is The Last Original Wife among her husband Wesley's wildly successful Atlanta social set. His cronies have all traded in the mothers of their children they promised to love and cherish-til death did them part-for tanned and toned young Barbie brides.
If losing the social life and close friends she adored wasnt painful enough, a series of setbacks shake Les's world and push her to the edge. Shes had enough of playing the good wife to a husband who thinks he's doing her a favor by keeping her around. She's not going to waste another minute on people she doesn't care to know. Now, she's going to take some time for herself in the familiar comforts and stunning beauty of Charleston, her beloved hometown.
Next book: Fablehaven
This was about a woman dealing with the fact that she is taken for granted by her husband & her husband's friends have divorced their wives for younger women. She hates having to spend time with these people & misses her friends (the ex-wives) while her husband doesn't find anything wrong w/what his friends have done. She decides she is tired of being treated like a housekeeper & finally takes charge of her own life. I did like this book & was really routing for her.
Leslie Anne Greene Carter is The Last Original Wife among her husband Wesley's wildly successful Atlanta social set. His cronies have all traded in the mothers of their children they promised to love and cherish-til death did them part-for tanned and toned young Barbie brides.
If losing the social life and close friends she adored wasnt painful enough, a series of setbacks shake Les's world and push her to the edge. Shes had enough of playing the good wife to a husband who thinks he's doing her a favor by keeping her around. She's not going to waste another minute on people she doesn't care to know. Now, she's going to take some time for herself in the familiar comforts and stunning beauty of Charleston, her beloved hometown.
Next book: Fablehaven
BearcatsFan
<font color=green>we finally had a minute to breat
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41/50 - Sister by Rosamund Lipton
This was just okay for me. I really got into it at first, but grew to hate the narrative. It was written as a letter from one sister to another. There was a plot twist at the end also that I didn't care for.
3/5 stars
This was just okay for me. I really got into it at first, but grew to hate the narrative. It was written as a letter from one sister to another. There was a plot twist at the end also that I didn't care for.
3/5 stars
Cantw8
Skating on thin ice and the sun's coming up
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- Jun 25, 2002
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I'm currently reading Still Missing by Chevy Stevens. This book was recommended by Low-Key and I just love it!!! One of the best books I have read in awhile. Listen to him when he makes a recommendation because he knows what he's talking about
zippitydoo
DIS Veteran
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Book 28 of 30
The Cuckoos Calling by Robert Galbraith aka J.K. Rowling
Detective Cormoran Strike investigates a supermodel's suicide.
After losing his leg to a land mine in Afghanistan, Cormoran Strike is barely scraping by as a private investigator. Strike is down to one client, and creditors are calling. He has also just broken up with his longtime girlfriend and is living in his office.
Then John Bristow walks through his door with an amazing story: His sister, thelegendary supermodel Lula Landry, known to her friends as the Cuckoo, famously fell to her death a few months earlier. The police ruled it a suicide, but John refuses to believe that. The case plunges Strike into the world of multimillionaire beauties, rock-star boyfriends, and desperate designers, and it introduces him to every variety of pleasure, enticement, seduction, and delusion known to man.
Since I am almost at my goal I would like to increase it to 45 books please.
The Cuckoos Calling by Robert Galbraith aka J.K. Rowling
Detective Cormoran Strike investigates a supermodel's suicide.
After losing his leg to a land mine in Afghanistan, Cormoran Strike is barely scraping by as a private investigator. Strike is down to one client, and creditors are calling. He has also just broken up with his longtime girlfriend and is living in his office.
Then John Bristow walks through his door with an amazing story: His sister, thelegendary supermodel Lula Landry, known to her friends as the Cuckoo, famously fell to her death a few months earlier. The police ruled it a suicide, but John refuses to believe that. The case plunges Strike into the world of multimillionaire beauties, rock-star boyfriends, and desperate designers, and it introduces him to every variety of pleasure, enticement, seduction, and delusion known to man.
Since I am almost at my goal I would like to increase it to 45 books please.
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