This book is intense all the way through to the end. The story weaves so many threads and events that generate suspicion on the different passengers aThis book is intense all the way through to the end. The story weaves so many threads and events that generate suspicion on the different passengers and also call into question our narrator, Lo. There is a pretty dramatic surprise that continues to build into more twists. The book seems to wrap up the story but then you cannot help but wonder if there is still more plotting going on.
Ware tells a story that creates such suspense and drama that you cannot help but feel much of the anxiety and frustration that Lo experiences. All in all the character development and plot are very well written and there is enough of a twist to not feel formulaic...more
A laugh out loud book that any volunteer in a modern PTA can relate to. Gelman does a wonderful job at creating a protagonist that is easily misundersA laugh out loud book that any volunteer in a modern PTA can relate to. Gelman does a wonderful job at creating a protagonist that is easily misunderstood. Not everyone gets Jen Dixon's approach to the job of class mom. Being older than many of her son's classmates' mothers makes her stand out as it is but then her humor is often misconstrued. Gelman does a great job of developing her character and letting the reader get a glimpse at what is underneath the surface of Jen's attitude. In reality, she is just like many of us, trying to get everything done and be liked. This book is great for someone looking to read a book that has laugh out loud moments but you can still see glimpses of your own life in the story...more
This is an enjoyable book that sheds some deeper light onto Stassi Schroeder. She basically advises her readers to own their choices and to do/be thinThis is an enjoyable book that sheds some deeper light onto Stassi Schroeder. She basically advises her readers to own their choices and to do/be things because that is what you want and it makes you happy not because others say that is what you should do. This book made her seem less shallow than she often seems on Vanderpump Rules...more
The Opium Lord's Daughter by Robert Wang is a fabulous read with lots of drama and suspense wrapped in a historical novel. This is a fascinating histoThe Opium Lord's Daughter by Robert Wang is a fabulous read with lots of drama and suspense wrapped in a historical novel. This is a fascinating historical novel set during the 1st Opium War between China and Britain in late 1830s/ early 1840s. This is a time I was completely unfamiliar with prior to reading this book. The author's note at the beginning was very helpful in filling in the facts behind the story. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review of the novel.
The story is based on the trade of opium by the British into China. Basically, the British wanted the Chinese silk and tea but the Chinese didn't want anything from the British. The British began providing opium the Chinese paid for in silver which was then used to buy the tea and silk to take back to Britain. The Chinese people became addicted to the opium and the Emperor decided to put an end to the illegal trade. This story is set around that event in history and is filled with many details pertaining to the cultural history of China including foot binding, daughter's obedience/secondary existence and the possession of Hong Kong by Britain.
The main character, Su Mei, and her brother, Da Ping, are raised as privileged members of the noble class in Canton. The idyllic life changes suddenly when their father's involvement in the opium trade is made known. The siblings lives are changed forever over the course of a short period of time.
The only drawback to the novel and the reason I didn't give it a 5 star review is the timeline is a bit difficult to follow at times. I found myself repeatedly flipping to different chapters to see when the action was taking place. The author does a good job of blending a flashback with the story in the "present" time setting but it could be hard to know when the action was taking place. Additionally, there were a few times when the book was switching between characters/scenes within a chapter and it was hard to follow. It took a sentence or two to realize the transition was taking place. It wasn't a major issue, but it did force a reread of portions to get my bearing and hence slowed the pace a bit.
I really enjoyed this book. What's not to like, the book is filled with naval battles, illegal drug trade and unlikely allies. It was quite interesting to learn about some of the cultural traditions of 19th century China and the relationship with the British. If you have any interest in learning about history of other cultures or are interested in a historical novel not based around WWII, I can highly recommend this book....more
This is a fun YA adventure book that is the first in a series. I enjoyed reading this and learning about the main character, the title's namesake. CyrThis is a fun YA adventure book that is the first in a series. I enjoyed reading this and learning about the main character, the title's namesake. Cyrus is on a quest to leave his home island when we first meet him. As the story unfolds we come to understand why he is working toward this goal. We learn about his family and his neighbors. We grow to know Cyrus and his best friend Edward as the story progresses. They add an unlikely 3rd member to their travel party as this first book comes to an end. I eagerly started the second book the next day.
There is a large amount of fighting so if you or your younger reader are not up for that this may not be the best book for you....more
This was a fun memoir that I enjoyed listening to as an audiobook. Amy Poehler is a great storyteller and she included multiple guest narrators that aThis was a fun memoir that I enjoyed listening to as an audiobook. Amy Poehler is a great storyteller and she included multiple guest narrators that added to the reading. The book is a fun read relaying stories from her childhood all the way up until her final season on Parks and Recreation. It is a great look at all the steps it takes to become a successful writer and actress. There are glimpses of her life outside Hollywood, including her 2 sons and her relationships with friends and family.
It is an enjoyable read but if you prefer books that are chronological and organized this is not the book for you. I enjoyed the format of the rambling like story telling that jumps from topic to topic but if this isn't your style you won't enjoy the book in my opinion. If you are looking for a fun read with a glimpse behind the scenes of the Hollywood life then you will enjoy the book....more
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I really wasn't sure what to expect when I checked the audiobook out from the library. I really enjoyed readiI was pleasantly surprised by this book. I really wasn't sure what to expect when I checked the audiobook out from the library. I really enjoyed reading Hilderbrand's descriptions of St. John as well as her storyline. The character development was well done and I appreciated seeing how the different characters interacted and reacted to a specific event they all had in common. I enjoyed how the story moved between different characters and seeing how specific scenes were perceived by each of the characters.
The mystery portion of the story was intriguing and I cannot wait to read the sequel. All in all a great book....more
I did not know what to expect when I picked this book out at the library. I ended up thoroughly enjoying all of theVery enjoyable anthology of stories
I did not know what to expect when I picked this book out at the library. I ended up thoroughly enjoying all of the stories within. Most had a reference or alluded to Alice this n Wonderland. Some were romance based but all seemed to be about finding your moral truth and becoming a great partner for your relationship. I look forward to trying individual works of these authors...more
It's a joy to catch up with Bailey in Harvest, OH. The supporting characters are a pleasure to read aboCandy making and crime solving in Amish country
It's a joy to catch up with Bailey in Harvest, OH. The supporting characters are a pleasure to read about as well. This is a wholesome feel good cozy. The guilty party was definitely a bit of a surprise. This installment had us viewing the English world from Charlotte's perspective a bit more. It is such an innocent view and gives you pause about some everyday things we take for granted. We also get a sneak peek at the main character of Amanda Flower's newest series which seems as though it might be delightful. We will Have to wait and see
I enjoyed this story in the latest installment of the Stone Barrington saga but I have to admit the shear number of different women he shares his bed I enjoyed this story in the latest installment of the Stone Barrington saga but I have to admit the shear number of different women he shares his bed with in a given week is getting a bit ridiculous- 1 leaves unexpectedly mid-evening and he takes another home instead, really. This story does have some good plot twists and a quick pace. On the other hand there are some plot lines that needed to be cleared up in my opinion- the wink between Betty and Vanessa is never explained for example. Also, for someone involved in the world of espionage and living in a city the size of NYC, it never raises a red flag that the antagonist keeps showing up in the same restaurants as Stone and Dino? While I enjoy the exploits of Stone and his friends I do think the series is getting a bit hurried in the release of the installments and the bit of extra time could be spent firming up plot details and lose ends. Even still, the book is an enjoyable read for a rainy/snowy afternooon....more
A very typical Stone Barrington novel, actually a little less death than normal in this one. Plenty of intrigue and plot twists. Stealth finds Stone iA very typical Stone Barrington novel, actually a little less death than normal in this one. Plenty of intrigue and plot twists. Stealth finds Stone in the UK for the entire book, no Turtle Bay house visits and minimal interaction with Joan. He does visit with Holly, Felicity, Dino, Viv and CIA director Lance Cabot. Not suprisingly, Stone ruffles some feathers and lands in the bedroom repeatedly in this current title. He meets his newest romantic partner as well as his nemesis for this installment while laid up in a military hospital following a car wreck. From there the intrigue, espionage, and plot turns commence.
I found this book to be a rather interesting read. I know several of the reviews I read prior to reading the book thought there was no point to the boI found this book to be a rather interesting read. I know several of the reviews I read prior to reading the book thought there was no point to the book, but I disagree. It was a book that caused the reader to do some self reflection. The premise of silence during their retreat lead to a natural evolution to hearing the characters inner voices without seeming out of context. I could see many aspects of myself in several of the characters. I definitely could relate to Francis' self conversation and her second guessing. I enjoyed the style of the novel where there was a timeline moving the story along, but Moriarty jumps from character to character for the perspective of the story. It made for an interesting progression of the storyline and enabled flashbacks to occur. I also appreciated the flashes forward at the end to see where the characters end up and to get a glimpse of their relationships post their visits to the spa. ...more
Very enjoyable audio book; The narrator does a great job of voice inflections and changing voices for the different personas Ruth takes on as a food cVery enjoyable audio book; The narrator does a great job of voice inflections and changing voices for the different personas Ruth takes on as a food critic as well as her family members. I found it enjoyable to hear about all the different restaurants she reviewed and the escapades she experienced. Overall it was a fun and enjoyable read, I think having lived in NYC made it more enjoyable for me than it might for some. I lived in NYC during the same time frame as the early portion of the book. I think the Audio book might have done better with moving the recipes to the end of the reading rather than intermittent in the book. It was a bit difficult to skip over them readily while listening in the car. Other than that an enjoyable read about a topic I knew little about....more
This is the first book i have read in this series. I enjoyed the story with its numerous plot twists. Sara Winston is a well developed character. I feThis is the first book i have read in this series. I enjoyed the story with its numerous plot twists. Sara Winston is a well developed character. I felt like there was more to her than many of the cozy mystery characters. You got to see more of her thoughts and emotions than a typical cozy. I will definitely go back and read the rest of the series....more
It is always enjoyable to read about Hope Early and her adventures in Jefferson, CT. I enjoy the relationships she has with the different generations It is always enjoyable to read about Hope Early and her adventures in Jefferson, CT. I enjoy the relationships she has with the different generations of characters from her older friend, Jane, to her relationship with her sister, Clare. The developing story line with her frenemy Meg and her new friendship with Kitty are always interesting to read as well. I did figure out who was the guilty party but Ms. Sennefelder did a good job of keeping the reader guessing through most of the story throwing lots of possible suspects into the mix.
The story had several twists and turns and it is always fun to read the descriptions of her blogging and food photography. The included recipes always sound yummy, even if I will probably never try them.
I enjoyed this book , it was a fun read. There are some serious moment when Samantha is trying to deciding direction her lDelightful lighthearted read
I enjoyed this book , it was a fun read. There are some serious moment when Samantha is trying to deciding direction her life should follow. There are plenty of laugh out loud moments and romantic components too. All in all i'd say it's like reading a chick flick. Definitely a cherry read does gloomy winter day or a perfect beach read...more
This book.is spooky and disarming but keeps you reading even when you're terrified of the outcome. Slimani does an amazing job at getChilling thriller
This book.is spooky and disarming but keeps you reading even when you're terrified of the outcome. Slimani does an amazing job at getting into the minds of the characters. You cannot help but have a bit of sorrow for Louise and wonder what drive her to her vicious acts. The immense impact of mothers guilt is apparent in Myrame.
While I did find the book very engaging I did come away wishing we had been given more background explanation of how Louise came to this point in life. Also a bit more closure on her relationships with Stephane and Nerve would have added to the story. even though I enjoyed the book.and found it engaging, I finished the book feeling like I had a lot of unanswered questions so that's why I didn't give it 4 stars...more
This is the first book by Pam Jenoff that I have read. I cannot wait to read the Lost Girls of Paris after reading The Orphan’s TAmazing story telling
This is the first book by Pam Jenoff that I have read. I cannot wait to read the Lost Girls of Paris after reading The Orphan’s Tale. The story is an amazing tale told during the height of WWII. It gives us a glimpse of the circus life and a perspective on how the rise of the Nazis invaded everyday life in Germany and beyond. This is a story of survival as well as sorrow. Jenoff is an amazing storyteller that keeps you wanting more I enjoyed the format of having 2 narrators and learning the story from both their perspectives. I appreciate that the storyline is given closure to the characters lives in the Epilogue. It’s nice to know what happens to everyone...more
While the main storyline involving Lindsay Boxer and Joe is a good story, it felt at times like a stretch to include the supporting friend characters.While the main storyline involving Lindsay Boxer and Joe is a good story, it felt at times like a stretch to include the supporting friend characters. Their storylines are much more ancillary this time than in previous books in the series. I did enjoy the book and finished it in a single day. It felt like the authors were stretching to make it a Women's Murder Club versus a Lindsay Boxer story. The main mystery was a good twist and turn story though as always....more
My review is actually a 3 1/2 star for this book. I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery and liked all the twists and turns the story took leading the solutMy review is actually a 3 1/2 star for this book. I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery and liked all the twists and turns the story took leading the solution to be difficult to predict before Poirot laid it out for the reader. It was definitely a locked room mystery at its finest by the queen of the genre. I enjoyed how the current events were intertwined into the story and it was easy to imagine the countryside and the estate at Styles. I didn't give it 4 stars because I found it difficult to keep all the female characters straight for some reason. I felt as though their names were a bit too similar and the fact that sometimes they were referred to by first name and interchanges with surnames made it more difficult to sort who was who in the story. All in all I am glad I went back and read the first Poirot novel....more
Always a fun and quick read to hear about the events at the Cackleberry Cafe. This one had some fun twists and turns based around the Christmas happenAlways a fun and quick read to hear about the events at the Cackleberry Cafe. This one had some fun twists and turns based around the Christmas happenings in Kindred. Lots of old characters return in the storyline. The guilty party was a bit of a surprise. Enjoyable light read as always...more
This was a engaging thriller that keeps you guessing the whole way on who the guilty party is in the mayhem that is being directed at the London OlympThis was a engaging thriller that keeps you guessing the whole way on who the guilty party is in the mayhem that is being directed at the London Olympic Games. While it is full of action and disaster, there is a nice balance of character interaction. We learn a lot about the main characters of the novel, including a visit from some recurring characters in the series. Peter Knight, the single father of 3 yr old twins, is caught in the middle of all the chaos, both professionally and personally. As the story goes along we learn more about his personal story and his extended family. It gives the drama an even more intense buildup for the conclusion.
Overall this is a really good book even if some of it is a bit far-fetched at times...more
Enjoyed revisiting a childhood favorite. I had taken a college course on children’s literature that discussed the correlation between the Narnia serieEnjoyed revisiting a childhood favorite. I had taken a college course on children’s literature that discussed the correlation between the Narnia series and religion. I hadn’t read this installment in that context so this reread definitely allowed me to see those parallels. Beyond that the level of detail in the descriptions is amazing. The edition I read had some wonderful illustrations as well.
I had not read a VI Warhawski book in a while and was happy to come back and reconnect with the PI in the Windy City. It is always enjoyable to read aI had not read a VI Warhawski book in a while and was happy to come back and reconnect with the PI in the Windy City. It is always enjoyable to read about books that are set in your home area especially as V.I. traverses all over the Chicagoland. The plot was an intriguing one with plenty of twists and turns. Enjoyable as always to read the VI series. I am now motivated to go back and read the books in the series I have missed. The only issue I have is the commentary on the current president that is mentioned several times in the book. That could have been left out and the story lines about ICE and immigrant fears would have still been as powerful....more
I am not sure how much I really like this book The representation of the competitive nature of the city waA bit too much of a preaching message for me
I am not sure how much I really like this book The representation of the competitive nature of the city was accurate from my experiences while studying and working in NYC. The story itself was good but I didn't care for the narration style. I didn't like the fact that much of the story is told in third person but then suddenly would switch to first person. I understand it is exposed to.be Libby telling the story that is her novel but I felt the flow just didn't work. I also grew tired of the woe is the burden of women undertone and the blatant life isn't fair became annoying. I felt as though the story story was saying I must be a dumb woman because I am willing to be a stay at home mom and even enjoy it. That somehow I'm shallow because I no longer strive for success in business, I strive for success in our family instead.
I do agree with the Author that it is annoying when men are revered for watching their children and it isn't babysitting if they are your own kids. Overall this book was not what I expected it to be . I got annoyed at the need to make a statement and found it a distraction even though it was the point of the turmoil the female characters were experiencing.
I guess the Author achieved her goal in getting me, the reader, to think about the mom from a different perspective than my own so in that sense this was a successful novel. I think in general though, I do not care to have books I read preach at me and state one perspective or another is the best. Most things in life have 2 sides and 2 perspective to consider....more
I definitely think this book got me to think about human behavior and what is defined as normal by society. Interesting observations of human behavior
I definitely think this book got me to think about human behavior and what is defined as normal by society. Marianne is a damaged girl and Connell has issues of his own. The book follows them through very influential times of growth in their lives and examined the dynamics of their relationships with themselves, each other and others. There are a one very thought provoking interactions and behaviors in the book. At times I wish the reader got more answers particularly what had happened in Marianne 's childhood. Things are alluded to but not specific stated. I would like to have known more about her father and her relationship. There are some disturbing topics covered by the book but at the same time it made me appreciate my life and family that much more. It was interesting to see how people become "damaged" in the eyes of society
Overall I liked the book. Definitely left me thinking but I would have liked a few things tied up so that's why i didn't give it a 5 star...more
This novel is a heartwarming story about fami!y and faith. At its heart is the message to be a part of daily living. Life has its uVery touching.story
This novel is a heartwarming story about fami!y and faith. At its heart is the message to be a part of daily living. Life has its ups and downs but God is there to love and support is through it all. The story follows the Coleman family through the course of a summer preparing for a family wedding. Rossiter weaves a wonderful story about this family of 7 and their love for each other and their extended family. It is an emotional roller coaster at times.but all in all a wonderful read...more
Always a fun visit with the ladies of the Murder club. This shirt novella focuses on the supporting cast wEnjoyable quick checkin with the Murder club
Always a fun visit with the ladies of the Murder club. This shirt novella focuses on the supporting cast while Lindsay is off on a much needed vacation. There are several shocking twists to the story with a happy ending. Easily finished this in an afternoon...more
Fun quick read that lets us catch up with Kiki in between the bigger volumes. Always fun to see the different scrapping projects she comes up with. NiFun quick read that lets us catch up with Kiki in between the bigger volumes. Always fun to see the different scrapping projects she comes up with. Nice change to have a cozy that doesn't involve murder, although it does involve a generation appropriate topic. All in all a quick read that was fun to fit in between some more serious novels. This one sets up some interactions for future books that I had previously read....more
Was an awesome experience to revisit a childhood favorite. I especially enjoyed the fact my book had a note from the author at the end which helped meWas an awesome experience to revisit a childhood favorite. I especially enjoyed the fact my book had a note from the author at the end which helped me to see the messages and themes she was portraying in the book. She also covered the changes from when she wrote the book in 1967 to today (the 35th anniversary). Great as an adult, but for kids it is just a fun book to read
As for the story who wouldn't love to live in a museum filled with treasures and things to explore. This is a great book that I am so happy I read again. It is great for elementary kids to read alone, with parents or in classrooms. All around clean story with intrigue and suspense and messages if you are paying attention...more
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