Christa Polkinhorn’s Family Portrait trilogy follows her character Karla Bocelli from childhood to middle-age. In EMILIA, we meet again Karla and her...moreChrista Polkinhorn’s Family Portrait trilogy follows her character Karla Bocelli from childhood to middle-age. In EMILIA, we meet again Karla and her husband, Andreas, and their children, Laura and Tonio, and we’re introduced to a new addition to the family. With the stresses of modern family life, an unplanned pregnancy can be both a curse and a blessing, double that when it occurs late in a marriage. Though love is strong in the Bocelli/O’Reilly family, when tested, as it is several times in this book, will it weaken or become stronger?
I wanted to shake or smack certain characters a few times. I also wanted to kiss and hug them. Which is to say, Polkinhorn creates characters so alive that by the time you finish reading EMILIA you’ll feel certain you could travel to the Maggia Valley and share a meal with them … and a glass of Prosecco. And as usual, we’re treated to vivid descriptions of the sights in Switzerland, Italy, and Peru, with a side trip to Paris, France this time.
EMILIA is a fine way to pass a few pleasurable hours. (less)
This is my book, so I'm not going to rate it. What I will do is thank those of you who used precious hours of your reading time on...moreHello, Goodreaders.
This is my book, so I'm not going to rate it. What I will do is thank those of you who used precious hours of your reading time on my book. I'm honored.
If you took the next step and wrote a review, I thank you again, no matter what you said or how many stars you gave it. I value your opinions.
I wish you many pleasant hours of reading in your future.
I love a good ghost story, and one set on the beautiful Pacific coast, told by a handsome man is just that much better. Madison Keith is intrigued, of...moreI love a good ghost story, and one set on the beautiful Pacific coast, told by a handsome man is just that much better. Madison Keith is intrigued, of course, but what does a ghost have to do with helping her solve a murder? In Shallow Waters, Cathryn Grant has written a tale that will keep you guessing—and turning the pages.(less)
I saw the movie adaptation of Sideways several years ago and loved it, but only recently discovered the book. When you read the book after you've seen...moreI saw the movie adaptation of Sideways several years ago and loved it, but only recently discovered the book. When you read the book after you've seen the movie, and vice versa, it's sometimes hard to know if, and when, your appreciation of one compensates for any lack in the other. I remember feeling more sympathetic toward Miles as portrayed in the movie. That could be because I don't remember some of my least favorite scenes in the book being in the movie. Certainly, I liked Maya's character more in the filmed version. That said, I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading the sequel.(less)
I would rate this higher because I enjoyed much of the beautiful writing, but I never really connected with any of the characters. For me, it was like...moreI would rate this higher because I enjoyed much of the beautiful writing, but I never really connected with any of the characters. For me, it was like a dessert that looks gorgeous, but doesn't have much taste.(less)
Does Natasha Alexander know how to create interesting characters, or what? This hilarious and outrageous romp features bombs, boobs, books, and a beac...moreDoes Natasha Alexander know how to create interesting characters, or what? This hilarious and outrageous romp features bombs, boobs, books, and a beach! What more could you ask for? Scrumptious food? Oh, yes it has that too—but watch out, it could be deadly.(less)
I'll start by saying I don't usually read YA, but it's books like Pivot Point that make me think I should.
I loved Addie, the smart and sassy main char...moreI'll start by saying I don't usually read YA, but it's books like Pivot Point that make me think I should.
I loved Addie, the smart and sassy main character. Faced with the choice of which parent she will live with after they divorce, she uses her Ability to search her future with each of them. It soon becomes evident she will also have to make a choice between the guys she falls in love with in each of these futures. In the end, the choice, though not quite the one I expected she would have to make, was harder still.
In Pivot Point, Kasie West has written a bright and witty, as well as tense page-turner of a paranormal, contemporary YA novel. If you like Sarah Dessen's writing, you'll love Kasie West's.(less)
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