Mini Reviews

I generally don't post reviews on books that I didn't finish or ones that I didn't like. But then I thought about it, and negative reviews are often just as helpful as good ones. I feel like I started this blog to share my love of books with other readers, and also to give my opinion on book related topics. That doesn't mean that everything I post has to be positive. I appreciate reading a negative review if its something that I'm thinking of buying or reading; it gives me a two-sided view of how people feel about the book. Now, not everyone thinks the same, so books that I loved may not have been favorites of others, and vice versa.

That being said, here are a few mini reviews on books that I either didn't finish or wasn't too fond of.

Did Not Finish

Lost and Found by KF Breene

This book wasn't for me, so I didn't finish reading it. I didn't like the writing and the characters bothered me. I got about 15% into it (according to the Kindle) and I just couldn't keep reading. Maybe others will like it, and I hope some people do! But like I said, it just wasn't a book for me.

The Last Winter of Dani Lancing by PD Viner

Unfortunately, I did not finish this book. When I first received a review copy, I was very excited and thought it had a lot of promise. However, after I started reading it, I realized it just wasn't a book for me. The story jumped around so much that I had trouble remembering what time it was taking place. I was constantly flipping back to the first page of the chapter to try to remember when it was, whether Dani was alive at this time or already dead. 

I think some people will really love this book, and I hope they do! It just wasn't a book that I enjoyed, and therefore, I didn't finish it. Maybe I'll try again in the future, but I can't say for sure

Wasn't for Me

My Best Friend by Ancelli

I was disappointed with this book. When I read the synopsis, it seemed like it would be a fun, quick read. And while it wasn't awful, it wasn't great either. I thought the writing was poor and there were a lot of grammatical and spelling mistakes. I felt like the story jumped around too much - it was a very short story, and that's sometimes nice, but it didn't work for this one. I felt like we could have learned more about Kay and Jason, their pasts, their lives before they became a couple, etc. It could have used more detail in some places. But in other places, the details were too much for my liking, such as the sex scenes, and it seemed fake. 

Like I said, it wasn't awful and I thought the story line had potential. I think with more editing it could have been a much better story.

**Have any of you ever read these books? What were your thoughts?**

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by the The Broke and the Bookish. Every week she posts an idea for a 'Top Ten' list relating to books, and encourages other book bloggers to respond and participate. All the details are listed on her site. 

This week's topic: Top Ten things I'm thankful for

1. Family - My parents, brothers and fiance (as well as extended family) are the biggest influences of my life, and I really don't know what I would do without them! 

2.  Friends - I have some pretty amazing people in my life and can't imagine life without them. Some live far away and I don't see them too often, but I know they're always there for me

3. My Job - Even though I may not like it all the time, I'm still doing something that I worked really hard for and enjoy most days. I'm also thankful just to be about to work and provide a living for myself. 

4. Life  - I'm thankful to be living and have a comfortable lifestyle. I may not be rich, or have everything I want, but I have everything I need and am happy to wake up each morning. 

5. Books - My addiction! I'm so happy we live in a world where books are banned or prohibited! Don't know what I would do if they were!

6. Food - Ahhhh, my weakness. I love baking, cooking, and trying new foods! 

7. Crafting - So much fun! My mom and I recently started a blog (CraftMeThisCrochet.blogspot.com) where we will be showing our work and talking about anything relating to crafts (mostly crochet items). Since this is a new adventure for us, we will also start donating items that we've made the the UW Children's Hospital and the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. (: 

8. TV shows/movies - They are my guilty pleasure. I love sitting down with a good TV show or movie, curling up in a blanket and just relaxing. 

9. My Cats - They are like my children! They annoy me, and get into so much trouble when we aren't home, but they love unconditionally. 

10. Freedom - I'm thankful to be able to live how I want to live. I don't have to worry too much about what I can and can't do (obviously within reason). 

Tell Me Something Tuesday

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Heidi @ Rainy Day Ramblings. Each week a new question is presented. Check out Heidi's blog for all the details :)

This weeks question:

Thanksgiving...what are some of your favorite Thanksgiving traditions? What do you like to cook or eat? Feel free to share a recipe! 

Well, I'd have to say that I love pretty much everything about Thanksgiving! I love being with my family, eating the delicious foods, and the start of Christmas music!!!! (: I love trying new recipes (most often the ones I find on Pinterest) so any excuse to get the family together means that I get to try a new one! Not entirely sure what I will make this year, but it will be something good! My mom also makes an amazing pie - its called Blissful Banana Pie, and it was my great-grandmother's recipe. Its not a pie that you have to bake (so fast and easy!). Its basically banana pudding and cool whip, a graham cracker crust plus lots of chocolate (: I couldn't ask for anything better! hhaha

I'm also thinking of participating in the Turkey-Trot this year. It's a 5 mile run or 2 mile walk the morning of Thanksgiving. I've gotten my parents and brother to do a 5k with me this year, and now they want to do this! I love that we're staying active when this time of the year is often when people get lazy (myself included). Who knows - maybe this will be a new Thanksgiving tradition for us (:


What about you? What are some of your favorite Thanksgiving traditions? 

[Review] The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult

The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult 
Publisher: Atria Books
Publishing Date: 2013
460 Pages
Format: Hardcover, purchased

Synopsis 

Some stories live forever....

Sage Singer is a baker. She works through the night, preparing the day's breads and pastries, trying to escape a reality of loneliness, bad memories, and the shadow of her mother's death. When Josef Weber, an elderly man in Sage's grief support group, begins stopping by the bakery, they strike up an unlikely friendship. Despite their differences, they see in each other the hidden scars that others can't, and they become companions.

Everything changes on the day that Josef confesses a long-buried and shameful secret - one that nobody else in town would ever suspect - and asks Sage for an extraordinary favor. If she says yes, she faces not only moral repercussions, but potentially legal ones as well.  With her own identity suddenly challenged, and the integrity of the closest friend she's ever had clouded, Sage begins to question the assumptions and expectations she's made about her life and her family. When does a moral choice become a moral imperative? And where does one draw the line between punishment and justice, forgiveness and mercy?

In this searingly honest novel, Jodi Picoult gracefully explores the lengths we will go in order to protect our families and to keep the past from dictating the future.

My Review

Every time I pick up a Jodi Picoult novel, I know that I'm in for an amazing journey filled with incredibly tough issues, both moral and legal. Once again, her story sucked me and in wouldn't let go. Even after I finished the very last page, I sat thinking about it for a while. I even told my fiance that I needed to tell him about the story because I couldn't stop thinking about it! There are so many questions that I found myself asking after reading this. What would I have done? Do I believe people can change so much? Do some people deserve second chances? I don't know how to answer these questions. Sure, I have some thoughts on these questions, but then I think more deeply, and I become indecisive. Give me a new situation, and my views would probably change. I honestly don't know what I would have done if I were in Sage's situation. I know that I wouldn't have made one of her choices, but some of her others, I can't be sure. It's hard to really describe what I'm talking about without giving away much of the storyline, so for the readers of my review, I apologize. All I can say is go get yourself a copy of this book! If you haven't read anything by Jodi Picoult yet, this is a wonderful place to start. I guarantee you will be hooked on her stories! It was a difficult story to read, but so incredibly thought-provoking. I can't wait to share this book with my mom and friends. Then I can finally talk about what happened without spoiling it for people who haven't read it yet! Another amazing story written by Jodi Picoult!

Buy on Amazon

Feature and Follow Friday

Feature and Follow is a blog hop hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. The purpose is to meet new people and gain more followers in the book blogging community. If this is your first time here, welcome! You are about to make some new friends and gain new followers. But you have to know, the point of this hop is to follow other blogs also. I follow you, you follow me. 

The general rules are: 

- Follow the Feature and Follow Hosts (Parajunkee and Alison Can Read)

- Follow the Featured Bloggers

- Put your Blog name and URL in the Linky thing. You can also grab the code if you would like to insert it into your posts. 

-Grab the button up there and place it in a post. This post is for people to say hi and that they are now following you in your comments. 

-Follow, Follow, Follow as many as you can. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Don't just follow, comment and say hi in the post! Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don't say 'hi'

-If someone comments and says they are following you, please follow back! 

This weeks question: 

You Are It! We are playing #FF tag this week. Comment on as many blogs as you can, even if they aren’t participating in #FF. Just say Happy #FF! At the end of your comment. Keep a running total if you want and update your post with it. The bigger the number the more impressed we will be!

[Review] The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff

The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff
Publisher: Random House
Publishing Date: 2008
507 Pages

Synopsis

It is 1875, and Ann Eliza Young has recently separated from her powerful husband, Brigham Young, prophet and leader of the Mormon Church. Expelled and an outcast, Ann Eliza embarks on a crusade to end polygamy in the United States. A rich account of her family's polygamous history is revealed, including how both she and her mother became plural wives. Yet soon after Ann Eliza's story begins, a second exquisite narrative unfolds - a tale of murder involving a polygamist family in present-day Utah. Jordan Scott, a young man who was thrown out of his fundamentalist sect years earlier, must reenter the world that cast him aside in order to discover the truth behind his father's death. And as Ann Eliza's narrative intertwines with that of Jordan's search, readers are pulled deeper into the mysteries of love, family, and faith.

My Review

I was not sure what to expect when I first picked up a copy of this book. It's been sitting on my shelf for a very long time because, although it sounded very interesting, I wasn't sure how much I would like it. I'm glad to say that I really enjoyed this book. What I really loved was that there were two main stories being told throughout the book; one non-fiction and one fiction. Ann Eliza's story about the creation of polygamy and her involvement in ending it, as well as Jordan Scott's search for the truth about his father's death. I learned so much about this religion, more than I ever thought I would. I've always been fascinated with learning about religions and why people believe certain things or practice certain customs. Despite that, I'm still unsure about religion and what my views are. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed learning about the Mormon Church and polygamy. If I'm honest, before reading this book, I wasn't sure if all Mormon's believed in polygamy, or if only some did. Thankfully, that's much clearer to me now.

One thing that I was a little disappointed in was that I felt like we didn't get to know Jordan Scott as much as I wanted to. The story was so in depth regarding Ann Eliza (taking chapters from her own personal book), but when we read about Jordan and former polygamist lifestyle, I wanted to know more. I also really wanted to know what happened to 5. She was in the book quite a bit in the middle, but then her character kind of dropped off.

Overall, I thought it was a very interesting read, and I would recommend it to anyone who is somewhat interested in learning a little more about polygamy and its beginning and end.

Buy on Amazon

Tell Me Something Tuesday

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Heidi @ Rainy Day Ramblings. Each week a new question is presented. Check out Heidi's blog for all the details :)

This weeks question:

What do you do when you are feeling blogger burnout?

It's pretty simple actually, I usually just take a break from blogging. Sometimes I will post on my blog telling followers what's going on and when I plan on being back, other times I don't. It really depends on what is going on and why I need a break. If I'm just too busy, then I won't likely post anything, but if I have the time and just need a break, then I try to post something. I also try not to think about the blog or stuff that I could/should be posting. I will make sure anything that was scheduled to be posted a certain day still gets posted, but other than that, I don't worry about my blog for a bit. When I feel ready to start blogging again, I do! Usually its just a couple days, and most people don't even notice I'm gone (: Sometimes you just need to take a break from something for a while. 

What about you? What do you do when this happens?

Stacking the Shelves

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga @ Tynga's Reviews. Its all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, whether physical or virtual books. This means you can include books you buy in physical stores or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts, and of course ebooks! Tynga posts this meme on Saturdays, but you can post on any day that works best for you! Check out the guidelines by visiting Tynga's blog!

Didn't get too any books this week, considering three of them are borrowed. But I definitely plan to add those three to my own shelf soon enough! :) 

Won

Read this in two days and loved it! Check out my review here :) 

Borrowing

I'm a huge fan of this series and only have books 1-4 right now, so my friend lent these to me until I can buy them myself! 

What have you added to your shelves? (physical or e-books)

[Review] Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Publisher: Razorbill
Publishing Date: Oct 18, 2007
288 Pages
Format: paperback, won

Synopsis 

Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers thirteen cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker, his classmate and crush who committed suicide two weeks earlier.

On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list.

Through Hannah and Clay's dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers.

My Review 

I won a copy of this book in a giveaway hosted by Sanna @ Fanciful Fictions.

I really loved reading this book. I thought the author did such a wonderful job with this touchy subject. So many people are afraid to talk about suicide. Like, if we don't talk about it, it doesn't happen. But in reality, it happens all the time. Since I graduated high school in 2007, there have been 8 suicides of students and teachers from my school. Two teachers and six students. I don't know what's going on there, but something needs to be done. I know so many schools are trying to stop bullying, but as this book will show you, its not always obvious that bullying is taking place.

Hannah was a student that never really fit in, but coasted through school, wanting it to be over. However, events that occurred at school and outside of school led her to take her own life. In these thirteen tapes, we find out what happened that led to this outcome. Hannah readily admits that she was the one to decide to take her life; no one else forced her to. But these events she describes explains why she did it.

What I liked about this book is that it explains that there wasn't one particular thing that happened which led to her suicide. It was so many different little things that most people would think you could just brush off. But when these little things keep happening to you, it creates a snowball effect, as described in the book. I feel that when many people think about suicide and why someone did it, they want to know the one reason it happened. When in reality, there isn't usually one answer; its usually a compilation of little things, and even the smallest thing, like not noticing a haircut, or using someone for a ride, can set a person down a dangerous spiral towards suicide.

I also really loved that it was narrated by both Hannah and Clay. We heard what led Hannah to her suicide, and throughout her tapes, we hear Clay's reactions. It becomes incredibly clear that Clay really liked Hannah and is pained by her loss. He tends to blame himself for not noticing signs of potential suicide. But unfortunately, hindsight is 20/20, and when you're in the moment, a lot of people don't notice the 'signs.' I really liked his character and thought he and Hannah were both well-rounded and intriguing characters to the story.

Buy on Amazon

Feature and Follow Friday

Feature and Follow is a blog hop hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. The purpose is to meet new people and gain more followers in the book blogging community. If this is your first time here, welcome! You are about to make some new friends and gain new followers. But you have to know, the point of this hop is to follow other blogs also. I follow you, you follow me. 

The general rules are: 

- Follow the Feature and Follow Hosts (Parajunkee and Alison Can Read)

- Follow the Featured Bloggers

- Put your Blog name and URL in the Linky thing. You can also grab the code if you would like to insert it into your posts. 

-Grab the button up there and place it in a post. This post is for people to say hi and that they are now following you in your comments. 

-Follow, Follow, Follow as many as you can. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Don't just follow, comment and say hi in the post! Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don't say 'hi'

-If someone comments and says they are following you, please follow back! 

This weeks question: Are there any book to movie adaptations where you think the movie is better than the book?

When I first read this question, my initial reaction was no, of course not. But I wanted to think this answer through a little more before I wrote it. I spent a while thinking of books that I have at home that are also movies, and I can honestly say that I don't think the movies were better. For many of the books that I've seen where movies are better, I haven't actually read the book. So although I liked the movie, I can't really compare the two. I'm sure when I see other blogger's FFF posts, I realize that I missed some books/movies. But I'm actually quite happy that I can't recall many movies that were better than the books (: 

What about you? Any movies that were better than the books?!

[Review] Family Portraits: The Banovic Siblings by Gillian Felix

The Banovic Siblings by Gillian Felix
Publisher: GillianFX Publishing, LLC
Publishing Date: December 3, 2013
176 Pages
Series: Family Portrait, Vol. 2
Format: review copy, e-book

My Review

I was recently asked to review the first volume in Family Portraits: Changes. You can see my review of this book here. Ms. Felix then asked if I would like to review the second volume in the Family Portraits novels: The Banovic Siblings.

I really enjoyed the first volume of this series by Ms Felix, and was happy to read the second. I really wanted to find out what happened with these characters, and learn more about them. Each character is so different from the others, and they each have their own little story throughout the book. I was happy to start figuring out how each character and story was connected to the other. A few other characters were introduced in this volume, with small roles, but I was still intrigued by what they added to the story. In a way, it reminds me of the show 90210 with all the different characters and love triangles that seem to be forming. I was hooked on that show, and I can only imagine how this series will play out! If you're looking for a fun, quick read, then I suggest checking out this series!

Fun Facts about Changes (Family Portrait, Vol 1) 

- Writing Adriana’s character was fun and challenging because she is such a minx. It’s tricky because she shares the leading role with Leighann, who is sweet, and kind—they are polar opposites of each other. They both grew up in the entertainment industry but that’s about all they have in common. Adriana makes no apologies for who she is, she is reckless and wild and I’m sure some readers will hate her. It is only later on in the series you get to really see why she is the way she is.

- Even though Leighann was a bigger star than Adriana, she was more protected by her mother. Savi may have her ways, but she shielded Leighann from a lot of the outside world. So when Leighann defies her and ventures out into the ‘real world’, she begins to see how scary things can get.

- Leighann’s fascination with the ‘real world’ is based on the fact that she has never had a ‘normal’ life. She sits in the tour bus and looks at the fans through the one way glass and thinks that their life is so easy, and she longs for that. She wants to meet a boy, go to the movies, and do things normal teenagers do.

- Westwood Academy of Higher Learning is a super school on steroids as one reviewer described it: “we mustn't forget the whole larger-than-life high school scene on steroids in a world where appearances often mean more than substance”
The school is high tech and ridiculously over the top with chef catered lunches, marble floors, digital lockers, Jacuzzi. Seriously, I’d want to go to that school. How does any body get any studying done?

- Astrid Wilson is the Kim Kardashian of Westwood Academy. She decks out in Prada and all the latest designs by the hottest designers. No body can throw a hissy fit like Astrid. When Adriana returns to Westwood Academy, Astrid’s status is threatened especially where her boyfriend Warren is concerned.

- Family Portrait is based on a television series I had written. The script got lots of interest in Hollywood but nothing came of it, so I decided to turn it into a book series. I have two seasons, 24 episodes of the television series already written.

- Book two combines a couple episodes from the script. Changes Vol. 1 is equivalent to the pilot episode—it introduces the audience to the characters. The script for television was meant for prime time so I had to tone it down—a lot. The book is the raw version—drug use, foul language, sexual situations. The characters can get away with a lot more in the book than they could on screen, which is good for Adriana and her brother, Kevin’s character, because later in the series they really get naughty.

- Right now I am working on Vol. 2 called The Banovic Siblings. In this book the siblings mostly Adriana and Kevin’s past catches up with them and their secrets are getting too close to home. Love triangles and tangles start to form with some of the supporting characters. Leighann’s character starts evolving, her sister L’Wren has a very powerful and emotional storyline which took a lot out of me to write. It really made me ‘go there’ which stretches me as a writer. Book two is a bit darker than Changes.

I think Vol. 2 may be available in November or December, 2013. It still has the whole process to go through with the story editor, the proofreader and the cover still has to be designed. I usually write like a fiend at night—Sunday through Thursday sometimes Friday nights.

- On the Facebook fan page https://www.facebook.com/FamilyPortraitNovels fans can rummage through the character’s closets. Right now there is an app on there called Adriana’s closet and coming soon: Leighann’s wardrobe, Astrid’s locker, the sound track to go with some of the scenes, Westwood Academy emblem reveal, Westwood Academy gear, fun trivia’s, first read of the novels before they are published. So sign up.

Thanks for having me. Purchase a copy of Changes Vol. 1 (Family Portrait) here. (: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EADYMCA)

About the Author 

Gillian Felix has been writing since she was old enough to hold a pencil. She enjoys creating characters that could be your next-door neighbor, but would you want them as your neighbor is another story.

Originally from the island of Trinidad and Tobago, Miss Felix moved to the United States in 1998. Since then she has been involved in the entertainment industry for over fifteen years. Her experience ranges from script supervisor to production manager on many independent features. She is trained in the Meisner and Stanislavski technique of acting, which she credits as an asset to her character development and writing.

Miss Felix is an entrepreneur and advocate for children’s and women’s rights.

Connect with Ms. Felix!

View book trailer: http://youtu.be/EiBdwhT74NA
Facebook fan page: https://www.facebook.com/FamilyPortraitNovels
Website: http://www.plaintalkbm.com/family-portrait-novel/ (Read the first chapter for free)
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/gillianfx
Purchase: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EADYMCA

W.W.W. Wednesdays

WWW Wednesdays is a weekly meme hosted by Should be Reading. To participate, simply answer the three following questions:

- What are you currently reading?

- What did you recently finish reading?

- What do you think you'll read next?

What am I currently reading? 

Just started this today! Come back soon to check out my review (: 

What did I recently finish reading? 

The Reluctant Bachelorette by Rachael Anderson 

Review here

Touching Melody by RaShelle Workman 

Review here

So Much it Hurts by Melanie Dawn 

Review here

The Banovic Siblings by Gillian Felix

Review to come soon!

What do you think you'll read next? 

Well.... last week when I did this, I think I wrote that I would start A Clash of Kings next... and that clearly didn't happen. So, I'm not sure what I'll read next! One that I would really like to read soon is The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult. Hopefully I can start it soon (: 

Tell Me Something Tuesday

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Heidi @ Rainy Day Ramblings. Each week a new question is presented. Check out Heidi's blog for all the details :)

This weeks question:

Do you read books based on the season? 

Generally, I don't read a book based on the season. I often see posts for great summer reads or books to curl up with in the fall/winter, and I may check them out from time to time, but I rarely read books based on seasons. The one exception to that however, is Christmas books (: It just doesn't feel right to be reading a Christmas book in the middle of July... That's why I've been holding on to 4 books I got from my mom that I plan to read in December. They are: Skipping Christmas by John Grisham, Christmas Shoes and The Christmas Blessing by Donna VanLiere, and Twelve Stories of Christmas by Joe Wheeler. I CANNOT wait to start these!! I'm so tempted to start one now, but I really want to read them when I'm in the Christmas holiday spirit! 

[Review] Touching Melody by RaShelle Workman

Touching Melody by RaShelle Workman 
Publisher: Polished Pen Press
Publishing Date: May 14, 2013
286 Pages 
Format: ebook 

Synopsis 

Sometimes life isn't pretty, but you have to close your eyes and let go...

Maddie Martin's first weekend at college is nothing like she's used to. It's wild, like the wilderness on which the University of Bellam Springs sits. Roped into going to a fraternity party, she literally runs into Kyle Hadley. The boy she's loved since she was nine. The boy she promised all of her firsts to. But that was before his father killed her parents. 

Determined to stay away from him, she throws herself into her music. Practicing piano eases her heavy heart, calms the sadness, and pushes away images of Kyle's face. 

Until it doesn't. 

Her music professor asks her to play a duet for their annual Winter Gala. Doing so means she'll be assured another full ride scholarship. It's an opportunity she can't pass up. 

But Kyle is the other half of the duet. And that means hours and hours of practicing. 

Weeks of seclusion - just the two of them. And it's more than just music. It's passion like Maddie never believed was possible. 

The inevitable happens. She falls in love with him all over again. 

But, will loving him be enough to erase all the hate in her heart for his father? Can she look at him, and not see the evil in his family tree?

And maybe it's all a set up. Maybe Kyle is only pretending to care so he can finish what his father started, and kill her too.

My Review 

I downloaded this book from Amazon because it was free and it sounded interesting. I'm never sure what to expect when I download a free book, but I wasn't disappointed with this one! I really enjoyed the story line and learning about Maddie. Her tattoos are a huge part of her life, though she rarely tells anyone about them. I found this interesting because I have a few tattoos as well, and I generally share what two of them mean, but the third I tend to keep to myself. They are all very personal, but I don't feel the need to tell anyone about the third. I thought Kyle was a fun character too. At the beginning of the book, I thought he was going to be a jerk because of how he acted. But the more I read, the more I realized he was a truly nice guy that's been dealt a crappy hand in life. The only thing I wish were a little different in this book is the ending. Without giving away what happened, I felt it could have been detailed more rather that it being dealt with in about 3-4 pages. However, that being said, I still think it was a great book, and will definitely read more of her work (:

Buy on Amazon

It's Monday! What are you reading?

It's Monday! What are you reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Sheila @ Book Journey, where we share what we read last week, what we're currently reading, and what is next for us! 

Last week was a pretty productive reading week for me! Hopefully that continues (: 

So Much It Hurts by Melanie Dawn

My review here.

The Reluctant Bachelorette by Rachael Anderson

 My review here.

The Murderer's Daughters by Randy Susan Meyers

My review here. 

Currently Reading

Touching Melody by RaShelle Workman. 

Good so far! Should be finishing it today (: 

Up Next 

Not quite sure actually! I thought I would start A Clash of Kings by George RR Martin, but then I also thought about reading some that have been on my shelf for much, much longer... so I'm undecided at this point (: 

[Review] So Much It Hurts by Melanie Dawn

 Much It Hurts by Melanie Dawn 
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing 
Publishing Date: Aug. 21, 2013
342 Pages 
Format: ebook

Synopsis

Life is full of uncertainty, but what happens when a what-if from your past suddenly makes its way into your present? 

Kaityln Thomas, a weary wife and mother, is taking a much needed getaway with her friends. All she wants to do is relax and rejuvenate on her weekend escape to the beach. Having a drink at the bar with the girls sounds like the perfect way to unwind. That is, until Kaitlyn hears a familiar voice from the stage that shakes her to her core. She grapples with her memory until Chris King, the lead singer of the band, walks up to her and eliminates the questions in her mind. 

Christ King...the misunderstood bad boy who once saved her in ways that no one else could.

Kaitlyn's friends beg to know the story behind this mysterious man. Forced to revisit a painful past from which she has spent years trying to heal, Kaitlyn's recollection of Chris awakens intense feelings that she has kept buried deep inside her heart. Has time changed him, or is he still the same person Kaityln fell in love with so many years ago? 

Marriage vows are sacred, but temptation is a powerful thing. 

Seeing Chris again has caused a war between her head and her heart. In the end, which one will win the battle? Facing a difficult decision, Kaitlyn just wants to be sure of one thing when she walks away from this weekend - no regrets. 

My Review

I won a copy of this book in a giveaway. I really enjoyed this book and finished it pretty fast! I thought Kaitlyn's struggle was something that many people probably face every day. There always seems to be someone that people want to go back to, no matter the relationship they are in. However, that doesn't always mean that person is the best for them. I thought what Kaitlyn did towards the end of the book is very admirable. She really loves Michael and cares so much for their family. It felt like there was a second story in the pages of this story, even though everything was related to the main story. It was definitely not was I was expecting when I first started this book, but I couldn't put it down! Very good book and I will be telling my sister to read this!!! (: 

[Review] The Reluctant Bachelorette by Rachael Renee Anderson

The Reluctant Bachelorette by Rachael Renee Anderson
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Publishing Date: Sept 16, 2012
304 Pages
Format: Kindle ebook

Synopsis

Luke Carney has no idea what possessed him to move back to Shelter Springs, Colorado, to set up his veterinarian practice. His parents have long since left, the small farming community is on the brink of extinction, and only one close friend from his childhood remains--Taycee Emerson, his best friend's little sister, who isn't so little anymore.

Then there's the matter of Shelter's Bachelorette, an online reality dating show created to raise some much needed funds for the town.

Unwittingly cast as the bachelorette, Taycee wants out, especially when she discovers that Luke, her childhood crush, is back in town and will be one of the bachelors. To make matters worse, it's up to the viewers - not her - to decide which bachelors stay or go. And they all seem to like Luke.

Unwilling to let him break her heart again, Taycee launches a subtle attack on Luke's good name with the hope of getting him voted off the show. But she'd forgotten that Luke's an eye-for-an-eye kind of guy, and when he discovers what she's up to, it means revenge.

My Review

This was the perfect book to pick up yesterday! Its romantic, funny, and sweet. Taycee loves her life as it is, though she could probably deal with a few less relationships-gone-wrong. Her character is sweet and you just can't help but like her right away. Same with Luke. Yes, he left for years with no communication, but the moment he walks back into Taycee's life, you just want them to be together! He's charming and funny, and a really good guy!

I thought this story was very cute and entertaining. Sometimes I'm not sure what to expect with books that are free for Amazon's Kindle, but this one didn't disappoint! I enjoyed it so much that I finished it in one day! I also really want to read Ms. Anderson's other books as well after this one! Definitely a wonderful romantic comedy (:

I loved it so much, that I wanted to share a few teasers of the book to convince others to read it!

"The silence that followed made him feel exposed, as if he'd put his heart on a platter for her to take or wave away. A few more seconds came and went without a word. Not good. Was she trying to think of a nice way of letting him down, or was she scared too - like Luke? Hopefully the latter. He should reach for her hand, touch her, something. Only a few inches and his hand would brush against hers. Still, Luke hesitated."
                             pg. 199

"Luke stared at the starlit sky, feeling that his world had suddenly aligned. As though all the dots had been connected, creating an awesome picture, way better than Hercules or Draco or any of the other constellations out there. He felt something good. Something real. Something he'd never expected to find with his old friend from Shelter Springs, Colorado."
                            pg. 199 

Buy on Amazon

Wishlist Wednesday

Wishlist Wednesday is a book blog hop hosted by Dani @ Pen to Paper where we will post about one book per week that has been on our wishlist for some time, or just added (up to you), that we can't wait to get off the wishlist and onto our shelves :)

This week, I've been seeing many posts and reviews about Jennifer Brown's books, specifically Hate List and Bitter End. These sound like really great books that deal with incredibly sensitive topics. These are the types of books I love to read. I think an author that can tackle a taboo or sensitive subject can send really powerful messages to everyone: teens, adults, etc. So those are the two books that are new to my wishlist, but hope to get off that list and onto my shelf fairly soon! 

WWW Wednesday

WWW Wednesdays is a weekly meme hosted by Should be Reading. To participate, simply answer the three following questions:

- What are you currently reading?

- What did you recently finish reading?

- What do you think you'll read next?

What am I currently reading?

Started off a little slow, so I'm still unsure about it, but I'm going to keep reading it!

What did I recently finish?

Really enjoyed this book! You can find my review here. 

What will I likely read next?

I've had this book for so long and haven't gotten around to reading it! Mostly I'm worried about the size of it because then I won't be getting many other books done. But, I've decided this is a good time to start it. (:

Tell Me Something Tuesday

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Heidi @ Rainy Day Ramblings. Each week a new question is presented. Check out Heidi's blog for all the details :)

This weeks question:

Who are your favorite authors? 

As any book lover can probably tell you, this is a very difficult question to answer! However, since it does say 'authors' I can definitely list more than one!! (: These are some of my favorite, in no particular order!

Jodi Picoult

  

Nicholas Sparks

  

Sandra Brown

  

James Patterson

  

JK Rowling

  

When I was younger, I loved the Thoroughbred Series by Joanna Campbell, so she is definitely one I would need to add to my list (look for a post regarding her books later this week). Same with Lurlene McDaniel. I devoured her books and couldn't get enough of them! Sometimes I still want to go back and read them again now!