A friend of mine made me read this book and tell her what I thought of it. Well, I liked most of it, but I didn't like the ending -- it was too much a...moreA friend of mine made me read this book and tell her what I thought of it. Well, I liked most of it, but I didn't like the ending -- it was too much and not enough. Too much whining and cruelty and people turning against those who trusted them and not enough follow through and depth of character. Apparently it was leading up to another book, so that could have been why things weren't resolved such as: what happened to Grace? -- I have a feeling that Jack did something to her that he's not telling; did anything happen with Lily?; what about Ava?; and what was happening to the fabric of time causing Emerson (great name btw) to see whole scenes instead of just single rips?
I did like the way the author handled time travel. I thought it was cool to have a veil and a bridge to another time. I also liked the fact that Emerson investigated the various time period clothing so she could identify ripples when they came at her. And the cover was nice.
So, I probably wouldn't have read this book had my friend not asked me to, and I probably won't read the sequel, but I can't say I hated it. I'll just say I liked it -- 3 stars.
I read this book a long time ago, so when I noticed it on Audible.com, I decided to give it a listen. I really enjoyed it. The narrator was very good ...moreI read this book a long time ago, so when I noticed it on Audible.com, I decided to give it a listen. I really enjoyed it. The narrator was very good and it had been long enough since I read the book that I didn't remember everything, so there were surprises. This is the story of a group of rabbits that get the inkling that something bad is going to happen to their warren. They decide to run away and find another place to live. Hazel, the unofficial Chief Rabbit, leads them across unfamiliar territory and proves to be an intelligent, resourceful and caring leader. They encounter several different groups of rabbits -- some that are complacent, some hutch rabbits, and some that are ruled with an iron fist...foot? Anyway, it was a very good book and a great audiobook. There were battles and lots of strategical planning. Just really really good. Not just a story about bunnies. (less)
This is really a different kind of time travel. This book is the 2nd in this series and the story is unfolding more and more. At the end of the last b...moreThis is really a different kind of time travel. This book is the 2nd in this series and the story is unfolding more and more. At the end of the last book, we were led to believe that Ann was going down in a plane crash. Common sense told us that that couldn't be because there's more to her story, but it sure sounded like she was gone. This book goes back and sets things up again, and using her Herkimer crystal, Ann believes she helped the pilot steer out of what would have been a fatal crash. Ann is trying to put things together. She remembers more about the Guardian of Time and The Prophecies, meets Chow again, and is taken away from her current life. She further develops her paranormal abilities and discovers a way she can help the human race. This novel is well-written and moves along with events taking place that you don't expect. Of course, there is a cliff-hanger at the end to lead us into the next book! (less)
I haven't read a book by Lynn Kurland for a while, so when I saw this one on the shelf at the library, I had to get it. It didn't disappoint me. I lov...moreI haven't read a book by Lynn Kurland for a while, so when I saw this one on the shelf at the library, I had to get it. It didn't disappoint me. I love time travel/historical romance. This was the story of John de Piaget and Tess Alexander. When you start reading Lynn Kurland's books, you get introduced to the MacLeod and de Piaget families and the time gates they employ to go from one century to another -- accidentally and sometimes on purpose. Ms. Kurland writes with a lot of humor and her descriptions make you actually feel the velvet, the wind and the stone. This novel involved a lot of running and driving from one place to another which was a little tiring -- of course, it would have been for Tess (the Future gel) since she had to run from one castle to another. Even though she had a PhD. in medieval studies, she didn't seem to have many problems adjusting to being in the 13th century. Of course, there were so many of John's relatives to describe, that maybe there wasn't time. The reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is because I think John & Tess's relationship could have been documented more. As I said, they did a lot of running around and I would have liked them to have an opportunity to stop and spend some time together. But I was very happy to have the chance to read this book. Tess's sister, Pippa, and John's brother, Montgomery, are featured in the book that came before this one, "One Enchanted Evening", and there were several times that I wished I had read it first. It's coming in the mail any day. This was a good, clean, time travel historical romance, so if that's your cup of tea (as it is mine), you should pick it up and read it. (less)
I read this book as the January selection for our book club. I had never heard of it before, but it was suggested by one of our members. It's the stor...moreI read this book as the January selection for our book club. I had never heard of it before, but it was suggested by one of our members. It's the story of a professional ballerina, Emma, who lives in London and gets injured and cannot dance anymore, and her grandmother, Beattie, who leaves her a homestead in Australia. Emma goes to Australia to check out the place and discovers many remarkable things about her grandmother's life that she didn't know. Beattie had quite a life. She was very independent and was put down and picked herself back up several times. The way she handled the things that happened to her was inspiring. Emma went through a period of self-discovery herself and turned her life around so that she cared more about other people and was less self-centered. The book went back and forth with sections about Beattie, then sections about Emma. It moved along and was never dull or sluggish. There was always something happening. The things that happened were predictable in a sense...there were no big twists...and the ending was satisfying. I would have liked to have had one more page though to experience the final reaction. You'll know what that means when you read the book! (less)
I read this book for some reading challenges I am participating in -- a science fiction challenge, a time travel challenge, and the reading the books ...moreI read this book for some reading challenges I am participating in -- a science fiction challenge, a time travel challenge, and the reading the books featured on the TV show LOST challenge. There could be more that I'll use if for, but those are the main ones. I've wanted to read this book for a long time actually. I would see it in the library and wonder about it. Granted it is a young person's book, but it intrigued me. The main characters were 3 children -- each was special in their own way. Two of the children were brother and sister, Meg and Charles Wallace. Their Father was a scientist working for the government and had gone away while working on a project and hadn't been heard of for some time. Meg, Charles Wallace and their friend, Calvin meet and discover 3 beings: Mrs. Who, Mrs. Whatsit, and Mrs. Which who are going to help them get Father back. They tell the children Father has gone through a tesseract or a wrinkle in time to another place. This is a bit different take on time travel than books I have read before. Young people would like this book because it is full of strange creatures, strange planets and evil beings like IT that have to be challenged in order to get Father back. Even though it is a children's book, it wasn't written in a childish way, so I rather enjoyed it. I wouldn't say that I "loved it," but it kept my attention and I am glad I read it. (less)
This book was really good! I know, it's a romance novel -- a Christmas romance novel to boot, but it was really good. I started it last evening and fi...moreThis book was really good! I know, it's a romance novel -- a Christmas romance novel to boot, but it was really good. I started it last evening and finished it today. It's the story of Joy, a high-school librarian who's marriage has collapsed into divorce because her husband was sleeping with her sister. Definitely a tragic start for a Christmas novel. Then, after leaving her sister in her driveway, she drives to the airport and on a whim buys a ticket for Hope in Canada. The plane crashes -- yes, the tragedy gets worse. After getting thrown from the wreakage and seeing her mother (who has been dead for 15 years), she decides to walk away from the crash site and have an adventure. She walks through the woods and eventually comes across a closed Bed and Breakfast Lodge manned by a little boy and his father. She spends a few days there and gets very attached to the little boy...and his father...when another surprising twist takes place. I'm not going to ruin it for you, but let me tell you this -- I was surprised and screaming, "No! No! No1" to myself while reading. I had to finish this book today. I couldn't wait. I had to know what happened. It's that kind of book. And, it's a very clean read -- no sex. Sex wouldn't have fit in this story. Love was definitely there. The kind of love that everyone dreams about. A great read!
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This is the kind of book you want to read at Christmastime. It was a typical Christmas story, but it inspired me and gave me hope. Everyone needs a bo...moreThis is the kind of book you want to read at Christmastime. It was a typical Christmas story, but it inspired me and gave me hope. Everyone needs a boost in their faith once in a while and this was a story of God's ongoing love for us. The characters were lovable, especially Bea and Edward. I loved how they passed on the Christmas Candle gift.
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My daughter told me I should read this book last year when I was doing the Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge, but I never got to it. So, I decided to...moreMy daughter told me I should read this book last year when I was doing the Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge, but I never got to it. So, I decided to read it this year. It is the story of two orphan girls who escape the workhouse and live on the streets in the city. The elder, Lucy, got a job at a doll's shop when she went in to try to sell a doll she had found in the mud. She happened to be wearing her sister Glory's apron upon which she had stitched a little Morning Glory flower. The shopkeeper noticed the flower and was convinced that Lucy had talent for stitching and could be their Hearts Girl for the Christmas season. I know I have told a bit about the story, but there is so much more to tell. It's a sad, but sweet story about the sisters' love for each other and the hope that kept them alive. I know it is a children's book, but it was such a satisfying read for this Christmas season. (less)
Markus Zusak has been my favorite author ever since I read "The Book Thief". "I Am the Messenger" just cements my opinion! He is b...moreMarkus Zusak has been my favorite author ever since I read "The Book Thief". "I Am the Messenger" just cements my opinion! He is brilliant! This story seems pretty regular -- an ordinary guy, Ed, is living his ordinary life with his ordinary friends until one day he causes a bank robber to fail at his attempt to rob a bank. Then the ordinary guy gets a playing card in the mail with 3 addresses on it. He figures out that he is supposed to help someone at each of the addresses... Same old, same old, right? WRONG! Just suffice it to say that there is a twist at the end of this tale that you won't expect and will make you understand why Markus Zusak is the best writer of all time. He keeps you interested with the tasks and activities and different characters so that you don't get bored with the ordinariness of Ed and his life, but...you'll see. Zusak is amazing! And, if after you've read this book, you agree with me that he is amazing, you should read "The Book Thief". If you appreciate the humor in "I Am the Messenger", you'll get "The Book Thief" as well. Not everybody does. His humor is very understated, but he just has funny ideas. (less)
I received this e-book from the author to read and review. I guess since it started out with the main character, Jai, and his wife, Kaahni, on opposit...moreI received this e-book from the author to read and review. I guess since it started out with the main character, Jai, and his wife, Kaahni, on opposite sides of the border between North India and South India, that it would be about their difficulties in getting to each other and the reasons for the separation. It was about that, in the end, but the beginning and about the first half of the book dealt with how they met, their Indian culture and foods, what they did with their friends, their marriage, honeymoon and their first years in the USA. Although it was quite interesting, it moved a bit slowly and the historical and geographical facts that were given sometimes got in the way. The end of the book, after the split occurred, moved very quickly and was exciting. One instance though made me wonder: Jai was talking to his parents in Mumbai about the split and things that were happening and it seemed to me that he got most excited -- upset -- because the cricket matches were cancelled. He seemed to react a lot to that news -- not that the other news didn't disturb him. Maybe it was just the last straw. I really liked Bunty and was saddened by the sacrifice that he had to make. It made me realize how much he and his companions really loved India. The story flowed fairly well, but perhaps it just needs a bit of editing.
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This book was a collection of great stories about Christmas celebrations. Many of them involved men, women or families from Ireland, Britain or Austra...moreThis book was a collection of great stories about Christmas celebrations. Many of them involved men, women or families from Ireland, Britain or Australia. There were stories for everyone from all walks of life and in all sorts of situations. My favorite was the one about the Irish schoolteacher who was supposed to get married but her fiance left her. Many years later, her students kept asking her what she was doing for Christmas and finally she told them she was going to America -- to New York City. They asked her to make a wish on the Statue of Liberty for them and she agreed. She found $200 in the back of her passport that she put there in anticipation of her honeymoon. She went to New York City and used the $200 to take a tour of the city. On that tour, she went to the Statue of Liberty and made a wish that the students would get their performance hall built. While she was on that particular trip, she met a man and they became good friends. The man had lost his very good friend, Stephan, within the last year. He told him he would build him an auditorium, but he couldn't do it in New York because he and Stephan were gay and his family objected. So, he and the schoolteacher decided to build Stephan's auditorium in Ireland for her students. They both got their wishes. There are lots of other stories like this one in this wonderful book. Great for reading by the fire on a cold December night. (less)
This book is a collection of three precious little Christmas stories by Louisa May Alcott. Louisa wrote them for five girls who began as fans but ende...moreThis book is a collection of three precious little Christmas stories by Louisa May Alcott. Louisa wrote them for five girls who began as fans but ended up dear friends of hers. The stories are perfect for the Christmas season and tell of awakening to the plight of others and being generous in order to ease their troubles. My favorite was "Tilly's Christmas" and told of a little girl who found an injured bird on the path and took it home to take care of. Her friends didn't think she should be she said her mother told her that she should look after her neighbors. Her care was rewarded by a Christmas Eve visitor who had heard the girls' conversation and was inspired to lighten Tilly and her mother's burden. All three stories made me feel warm and happy at the end. Just right for a chilly December night. (less)
I won an e-copy of this book in the Giveaway Hop Nov. 8th - 11th. I had been seeing descriptions of it around the blogosphere and I was curious about ...moreI won an e-copy of this book in the Giveaway Hop Nov. 8th - 11th. I had been seeing descriptions of it around the blogosphere and I was curious about it. It is written completely in verse -- rhyming verse! The story is not really a children's story because there are parts that are "suggestive" but nothing really happens. And I guess you would expect a dwarf named Creepy to think like that. Creepy is the 8th dwarf in the Snow White story. He irritates the other 7 dwarves so badly that they send him to the cellar to live. They go on with their lives never giving him a thought. Then Snow White comes and we get to see what happens from Creepy's perspective under the floorboards. First he gets an eyeful of dirt because she is SWEEPING! Then she does dishes and cooks. The 7 dwarves come home from working the mines to find her and they say she can stay if she cooks and cleans for them. Hmmmm... Anyway, you probably remember the story -- the old witch comes to visit and tries to kill Snow White through various means. Well, Creepy saves her a couple of times when she falls over near his peephole in the floor. Then the old witch brings her a poisoned apple and Snow White bites into it and falls by the door -- away from Creepy's peephole. He is going to have to come out of the cellar to save her... I'm not going to tell you what happens because I don't want to give away the story completely. I really enjoyed reading this story. It is short and puts a different little twist on this popular fairy tale. Creepy is so midunderstood. Get a copy and see for yourself! (less)
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