[Review] A Creed in Stone Creek by Linda Lael Miller

A Creed In Stone Creek by Linda Lael Miller

Series: Montana Creeds, #5

Synopsis 

When single attorney Steven Creed becomes guardian of an orphaned five-year-old boy, he trades his big-city law firm for a ranch near his McKettrick kin in the close-knit community of Stone Creek, Arizona. Taking care of little Matt and fixing up his run-down ranch house with its old barn loosens something tightly wound inside him. But when Steven takes on the pro-bono defense of a local teen, he meets his match in the opposing counsel – beautiful, by-the-book county prosecutor Melissa O-Ballivan. It’ll take one grieving little boy, a sweet adopted dog and a woman who never expected to win any man’s heart to make this Creed in Stone Creek know he’s truly found home. 

My Review

First, I want to say that I’ve read quite a few books by Miller and I’m a fan of her work! However, I’m a bit undecided how I feel about this book. It took me a while to get through this one – though I think it had more to do with just having a baby than the book itself – but I also found myself not running to pick it up any time I had a free minute. I did enjoy the book while reading it and thought it was a cute story. I’m always a sucker for single dads – I’m not sure what it is about them, but I find them so endearing! Plus this story had the added benefit of legal issues, and since I went to law school and have my law license, it was a nice element! 

That being said, this book didn’t grab me like other stories have previously. The characters were very likable, but I wasn’t in love with them, except Matt (he’s adorable!). I think this book focused too much on the legal issues going on with some of the minor characters in the community, and not enough on Melissa and Steven’s relationship. They didn’t seem to have enough time to get to know each other and all the feels weren't really there for me. 

Even though this wasn’t my favorite book, I still enjoy Miller’s work and will continue to read it.

[Review] Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacey

Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacey
Series: Kowalski Family, #1
Publisher: Carina Press
Publishing Date: Jan. 1, 2012
Format: purchased, ebook
322 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis 

When Keri Daniels’ editor finds out she has previous carnal knowledge of reclusive bestselling author Joe Kowalski, she gives Keri a choice: get an interview or get a new job.

Joe’s never forgotten the first girl to break his heart, so he’s intrigued to hear Keri’s back in town and looking for him. Despite his intense need for privacy, he’ll grant Keri an interview if it means a chance to finish what they started in high school.

He proposes an outrageous plan - for every day she survives with his family on their annual camping and four-wheeling trip, Keri can ask one question. Keri agrees; she’s worked too hard to walk away from her career.

But the chemistry between them is still as potent as the bug spray, Joe’s sister is out to avenge his broken heart and Keri hasn't ridden an ATV since she was ten. Who knew a little blackmail, a whole lot of family and some sizzling romantic interludes could make Keri reconsider the old dream of Keri &Joe 2gether 4ever.

My Review

I loved reading this book! It's been sitting on my ebook shelves forever and I never really got around to it. I believe I downloaded it when it was free, so I figured I'd get to it at some point. I actually downloaded it because it not only sounded good, but one of my friends has a few Shannon Stacey books and really likes them. I figured if she did, then I probably would too! 

I thought this was a fun book to read. Joe and Keri were high school sweethearts until Keri left and moved across the country. Joe becomes a famous author and he's journalist Keri's newest assignment. I really loved reading about Joe and Keri's high school relationship and seeing how they interact with each other after so many years. There's definitely some tension and the relationship is complicated. But watching them work out all of their problems is what makes this a great book. 

Keri also has a broken relationship with Joe's sister, Terry. They were best friends growing up, but Keri then got into the "popular" crowd and Terry felt left behind. Not only did I enjoy watching Keri and Joe repair their relationship, but Terry and Keri's needed definite repairing as well.There's also a really great side story between Terry and her husband, who she's currently separated from. We watch Terry struggle begin on her own and coping with without her husband. 

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who love romances. I read that the next book is about Joe's brother Kevin, which I cannot wait to read! He seems like a great character and I'm really excited for his story. 

[Review] Still Alice by Lisa Genova

Still Alice by Lisa Genova
Publisher: Pocket Books
Publishing Date: 2007
Format: paperback, purchased
292 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Goodreads rating: 5 stars

Synopsis 

Alice Howland is proud of the life she worked so hard to build. At fifty years old, she’s a cognitive psychology professor at Harvard and a world-renowned expert in linguistics with a successful husband and three grown children. When she becomes increasingly disoriented and forgetful, a tragic diagnosis changes her life--and her relationship with her family and the world--forever.

At once beautiful and terrifying, Still Alice is a moving and vivid depiction of life with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease that is as compelling as A Beautiful Mind and as unforgettable as Judith Guest's Ordinary People.

My Review 

I picked this book up after seeing an advertisement for the movie Still Alice, based on this book. It sounded like something I'd really be interested in reading and I definitely wanted to read it before I saw the movie. So I suggested this for my book club's next pick!

Normally, I would have had this book read in just a few short days, but with moving to a new house and beginning a remodel of the basement... took me a little longer! Even so, this book moved me so much. Every time I picked it up and started reading, I wanted to cry. I felt so involved in Alice's story and felt so much emotion towards her and her family. I've never really dealt with Alzheimer's in my personal life, but that didn't stop me from being heart broken for all those who suffer from this disease and their family and friends. 

This book is really amazing, but so heartbreaking at the same time. Alice is a very accomplished professor of psychology at Harvard and is then diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. As I read, I found myself struggling with her to comprehend being diagnosed, then struggling to remember things like appointments, struggling to remember what words to use, and finally, struggling to remember who her family and friends are. I felt like I was experiencing this with her. At one point, when I was so engrossed in the story, my husband came home and started talking to me about our basement project. I felt like every time I asked him something, I was repeating myself - kind of like when you're really tired or talk with someone in the middle of the night and don't really remember it in the morning? I realized it was just because I was so absorbed in this story and felt like I was Alice. To me, that's the best part of a book; being completely captivated that when you stop reading, you feel like you are still in that story. Obviously, I'm glad I'm not actually part of this story because it is so heartbreaking, but it really was an excellent book. I can't wait to read more of Genova's novels (I have one on my iPad waiting for me right now from Netgalley!). I cannot recommend this book enough. I really hope others enjoy it as much as I did! 

Trailer of Still Alice

[Review] Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire
Series: Beautiful #1
Publisher: Atria Books
Publishing Date: August 14, 2012
416 Pages
Format: paperback, purchased
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Goodreads rating: 4 stars

Synopsis 

The new Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn’t drink or swear, and she has the appropriate number of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance from the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University's Walking One-Night Stand. 

Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby needs—and wants—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the ultimate college campus charmer. Intrigued by Abby’s resistance to his appeal, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis’s apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match.

My Review

I had a hard time rating this book on Goodreads - do I give it 4 stars or 5 stars? I couldn't make up my mind. There were so many emotions in this book, and so many that I had while reading it! I was happy, sad, angry, laughing. I really loved the beginning of the book and fell in love with Travis Maddox. Seriously, who doesn't like a bad boy covered in tattoos? I sure do! And I really liked Abby's character. She was smart, fun, and of course, pretty. The chemistry they had was really great. I loved that they were strictly friends for a while, though you could sometimes tell they wanted more. And then they finally get together and I was super excited! Unfortunately, the middle of the book felt a little slow for me. Not sure what it was because there was a lot going on with the characters. I felt like it did pick up after a while. It's not that I ever stopped enjoying the book, but I felt like some of the stuff in the middle could have been cut out.

But I also found myself getting a little annoyed with the characters. I just wanted to slap Travis and Abby sometimes! Travis felt a bit needy - which is weird since he has the bad-boy thing going on. They have an odd relationship, but it seems to work for them. And even though I was annoyed at times with the characters, I really did enjoy this book and I'm so glad I picked it up. The romance was sizzling and so fun. Plus the characters are pretty close to my age, so it reminded me of being in college a little - not that I ever saw a floating fight ring (and let's be honest, it's not really my thing). 

[Review] Where They Found Her by Kimberly McCreight

Where They Found Her by Kimberly McCreight
Publisher: Harper
Publishing Date: April 14, 2015
Format: Paperback, ARC
336 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Goodreads Rating: 5 Stars

Synopsis 

An idyllic suburban town. A devastating discovery. Shocking revelations that will change three lives forever.

At the end of a long winter in well-to-do Ridgedale, New Jersey, the body of a newborn is found in the woods fringing the campus of the town's prestigious university. No one knows the identity of the baby, what ended her very short life, or how she wound up among the fallen leaves. But among the residents of Ridgedale, there is no shortage of opinions.

When freelance journalist, and recent Ridgedale transplant, Molly Anderson is unexpectedly called upon to cover the disturbing news for the Ridgedale Reader—the town's local paper—she has good reason to hesitate. A severe depression followed the loss of her own baby, and this assignment could unearth memories she has tried so hard to bury. But the history Molly uncovers is not her own. Her investigation unravels a decades-old trail of dark secrets hiding behind Ridgedale's white picket fences.

Told from the perspectives of three Ridgedale women, Kimberly McCreight's taut and profoundly moving novel unwinds the tangled truth behind the tragedy, revealing that these women have far more in common than they could have ever known. That the very worst crimes are committed against those we love. And that—sooner or later—the past catches up to all of us.

My Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book and when I received a copy from the publisher, I was so incredibly excited! I really wanted to stop the book I was reading and start this one. Just like Reconstructing Amelia, this book sucks you in and won't let go! The synopsis got me interested, but the story and writing kept me reading. Molly is an interesting character and I liked her a lot. I felt so bad for all that she's gone through, but you can tell that the story she's covering really helps her come out of her depression and giving her something to work towards. 

There are other characters who have chapters in their point of view, but I always felt like Molly was the main character and the others, like Sandy, Jenna and Hannah, are supporting characters. That being said, I really liked them all. I didn't like Jenna too much at first, but she changes a little towards the end and I feel like I can understand a little better why she's done what she did. 

There's quite a lot that goes on in this book between the different characters and they're all connected somehow. It's fun finding out how each person fits into someone else's story and this book didn't let me down. I felt like I had a few ideas of what happened, but they changed often, keeping me on my toes! I would definitely recommend this to everyone (: If you liked Reconstructing Amelia, you'll definitely like this next novel by McCreight. 

[Review] Since You've Been Gone by Mary Jennifer Payne

Since You've Been Gone by Mary Jennifer Payne
Publisher: Dundurn
Publishing Date: Feb. 17, 2015
Format: ARC, ebook
224 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis 

Is it possible to outrun your past? Fifteen-year-old Edie Fraser and her mother, Sydney, have been trying to do just that for five years. Now, things have gone from bad to worse. Not only has Edie had to move to another new school she's in a different country. 

Sydney promises her that that this is their chance at a fresh start, and Edie does her best to adjust to life in London, England, despite being targeted by the school bully. But when Sydney goes out to work the night shift and doesn't come home, Edie is terrified that the past has finally caught up with them. 

Alone in a strange country, Edie is afraid to call the police for fear that she'll be sent back to her abusive father. Determined to find her mother, but with no idea where to start, she must now face the most difficult decision of her life.

My Review

I received a free copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review. 

I wasn't quite sure what to expect with this book when I started. I knew a little bit about the storyline and was intrigued, so I wanted to read more. I hadn't read any of the reviews on this book, nor had heard of the author. So I went in blind a little, which I often like. 

This book was only okay for me. I thought the plot was interesting and it had a lot of potential. I liked Edie as a character and I really liked Jermaine. Sydney isn't in the book too much since she goes missing, but what little she was in there, I didn't like her much. I know she was trying to protect her daughter, but she just bothered me. I think the plot was very underdeveloped and didn't grab and hold onto my attention. Yes, I finished it in a day, but it was more or less because I had the time and I did want to know what happened. That begin said, I think it could use much improvement. I don't think the characters were developed enough and neither was the storyline. 

[Review] Cold Cold Heart by Tami Hoag

Cold Cold Heart by Tami Hoag
Publisher: Dutton
Publishing Date: Jan. 13, 2015
Format: hardcover, ARC
400 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis 

Dana Nolan was a promising young TV reporter until a notorious serial killer tried to add her to his list of victims. Nearly a year has passed since surviving her ordeal, but the physical, emotional, and psychological scars run deep. Struggling with the torment of post-traumatic stress syndrome, plagued by flashbacks and nightmares as dark as the heart of a killer, Dana returns to her hometown in an attempt to begin to put her life back together. But home doesn’t provide the comfort she expects.

Dana’s harrowing story and her return to small town life have rekindled police and media interest in the unsolved case of her childhood best friend, Casey Grant, who disappeared without a trace the summer after their graduation from high school. Terrified of truths long-buried, Dana reluctantly begins to look back at her past. Viewed through the dark filter of PTSD, old friends and loved ones become suspects and enemies. Questioning everything she knows, refusing to be defined by the traumas of her past and struggling against excruciating odds, Dana seeks out a truth that may prove too terrible to be believed…

My Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

I loved this book! It's the first Tami Hoag book I've read and it definitely won't be the last! This book was unlike anything I've ever read before. It's obviously a mystery and about a serial killer, but there were definitely times I laughed and I didn't expect that. Dana is an easy character to sympathize with immediately. She survived a horrific experience and it has completely changed the person she was. I can't begin to imagine what she went through. However, I really loved her new honesty. She had to relearn a lot of things, and obviously filtering her thoughts and words wasn't something she picked up! She was brutally honest, but some of the things she said were so funny. I wrote this quote down right when I read it: "I remember you now," Dana said dryly. "You were always full of shit." This seriously made me laugh out loud. Like I said, she's honest! And then there was John; I instantly felt sorry for him. He had a really crappy life growing up with an abusive father and it seemed that everything that could go wrong for him did. I didn't like Tim; there was something about him that annoyed me from the beginning, and Roger is fishy - I don't know what it is about him that I don't trust, but disliked him too! 

I really thought this was a highly original book, and I can't wait to get my hands on more of Hoag's work. For those of you who haven't read anything by her, I would recommend this in a heartbeat! And for those who have read her work, no questions asked, read this. There were many times I thought I had this story figured out, but then something would happen and I'd change my mind. Hoag is definitely good at what she does (: 

Stacking the Shelves 2.14.15

 

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! 

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I received this beautiful ARC in the mail this week! Couldn't have been more excited when I came home to see it sitting on my doorstep! I have another book to read for my book club and probably another ARC that I should read first, but I'll be getting to this one as soon as I can!!! Can't wait!

[Review] His Million Dollar Risk by Robin Bielman

His Million Dollar Risk by Robin Bielman
Publisher: Entangled Indulgence
Publishing Date: Feb 9, 2015
Format: ARC, ebook
152 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis 

A sexy category novella from Entangled's Indulgence imprint.

Determined to make his latest preservation project on Route 66 a success, Connor Gibson will take any good press he can get. Even if it means spending a week with a reporter. And even if it’s one from a publication he has good reason to hate. Connor certainly isn’t expecting a spontaneous and undeniably attractive blonde who makes him seriously hot for the press...

Charlize Beckett is in deeeep trouble. This is her one chance to prove to her publisher dad that she's a serious journalist, even if she has to pretend she's someone else. Worse though, is trying to maintain any objectivity with the way too charming Connor. She can't help but get into all kinds of sexy trouble with him. But by going off the record, Charlie is putting both her reputation and her heart on the line...

My Review

I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

This is another really great novella by Robin Bielman! I always look forward to reading what she has to write and can't wait to dive into them! This book was no exception. I started it last night at the gym (go figure) and when it was time to leave, I didn't want to! I wanted to keep reading! So I then came home and jumped in bed and finished it. 

Charlie is a fun character and I really like her personality. She seems so carefree, but at the same time, very serious about her work and what she wants to do in life. Connor on the other hand, seems so serious all the time. But thankfully, Charlie brings out the fun, playful side of him. I just couldn't put this book down till I finished it! Bielman's writing is really great and so easy to get sucked into. I highly recommend that you grab it as soon as you can. I'm highly anticipating another novel or novella by her! 

[Review] Can't Always Get What You Want by Chelsey Krause

Can’t Always Get What You Want

By: Chelsey Krause

Releasing January 13th, 2015

Loveswept

Synopsis 

Fans of Ruthie Knox, Rachel Gibson, and Molly O’Keefe will love this deeply romantic and uplifting debut novel about losing everything you thought you wanted—and getting exactly what you need.

Sophie Richards has been looking forward to a much-needed girls’ night out: a Rolling Stones tribute-band concert, a few drinks, a distraction from her grueling nursing shifts in acute care. But when her best friend bails, Sophie gets stuck with a blind date.

Although Brett Nicholson may be the hottest carpenter alive, and Sophie may technically be single, she isn’t exactly on the market. Six years ago she found The One. He was everything Sophie dreamed a man could be—and then she lost him. In an instant, her whole life changed, and she forgot all about happily ever after.

But as she gets to know Brett, Sophie starts to wonder about the future for the first time. With a broken heart still clouding her mind, jumping into a new relationship feels impossible. When she’s in his arms, walking away feels even harder. Now Sophie faces an impossible choice: living in the past or choosing love in the here and now.

My Review

Oh. My. God. I couldn't get enough of this book and literally couldn't put it down! I brought my iPad with me to work today so I could read it over lunch and then pulled it out when I was sitting at the auto shop waiting for my oil change to be done. Seriously. So. Good.

There's something about these characters that I identified with immediately. Sophie and Brett's relationship and romance really reminded me of my relationship with my husband in the beginning. Everything is new and exciting, you get butterflies just thinking about him, and when he texts you? Takes it to a whole other level. When we started dating, I was so excited about getting a text from my husband; I'd get all giddy and have a huge smile on my face. That's not to say that the excitement has ended for us now that we've been together a few years, its just different, in a good way!

I also really identified with Sophie because she's in a job that she didn't like. I was in that same position a few months ago; I didn't like my job, but felt like I was going to be a disappointment if I left because I spent so much time and money on my education. Like Sophie, I'm still within the field I went to school for, but just different than what I think people would expect me to be doing. 

I just loved this book and feel like I could gush about it for quite a while (: Needless to say, this won't be the last book I read by Krause (as long as she keeps writing!). I highly recommend every gets a copy of this. Its such a fun romance, but has some very real issues. 

Link to Follow Tour: http://www.tastybooktours.com/2014/11/cant-always-get-what-you-want-by.html

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23256189-can-t-always-get-what-you-want?from_search=true

Buy Links 

  Amazon | Barnes | iBooks | Kobo

About the Author

I was born and raised in Canada, and live with my husband and two children. I’ve been a nurse since 2009. An essay I wrote on intercultural nursing has been published in a nursing anthology.

I love thrift shops, repurposing old junk and learning new belly dance moves. I can’t decide if my favorite movie is either “Bridget Jones’ Diary” or “Fight Club.”

I’ve always wanted to be a writer and in the spring of 2013, I finally sat down and wrote my first book. Now that that’s done, I’m working on my second.

I believe that the best way to become a great writer is to read.

A lot.

And then read some more.

I absolutely love books and would live at the library if they’d let me. 

Author Links:

  Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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