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2017 Lists
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Nan's 2017 Books
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Nancy
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Dec 28, 2016 07:50PM
My goal is to read at least 135 books in 2017. (Goodreads 2017 goal)
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1. She Made Me Laugh: My Friend Nora Ephron by Richard CohenWhat a phenomenal memoir of a woman, who lived life to the fullest. Nora Ephron's story is told with great reverence and love by one of her best friends, Richard Cohen.
Although names, famous and not-so-famous, litter the story of Nora, it is her personality that shines through. From journalist to author to playwright to director, Ephron does it all. She is multi-talented, and yet is a person that anyone would wish to know personally. She is a fierce friend, gathering friends far and wide...knowing everyone, connecting everyone, but often in intimate settings that show her love of the Round Table discussions held over dinner.
2. Tender at the Bone: Growing Up at the Table by Ruth Reichl Ruth Reichl's memoir of her life as a foodie. From learning to cook from her grandmothers, dealing with her mother's manic-depression, growing up and discovering friends who appreciated her cooking, and learning from others about the good life of food and wine, Reichl enhances and seasons her stories from her life. Some of the stories are lighthearted; some are less so, but all show a progression to the life she leads today as a restaurant critic. Added to those stories are recipes from each chapter of her life.
Characters come and go, but each one helped make the author what she is today.
3. Solitude Creek by Jeffrey DeaverThis suspenseful thriller features the CBI agent Kathryn Dance. The fourth in series, they all can stand alone without the necessity of reading the others; however, having read two of the previous novels, they are definitely worth reading.
Dance, working the case of gun smugglers, makes a major mistake, which costs her badge in the Criminal Investigations department. Bumped down to the Civil Division unit (Civ-Div as it is referred to) and the loss of her firearm, she is also investigating a possible domestic terrorist case in which patrons are locked into a burning building, causing mayhem and death.
Added to this, Kathryn has two children and boyfriend, who all add to the chaos of her investigation of a killer, who is using fear as a weapon. Twists and turns keep the action moving and the reader guessing until the very end.
Profound quote about guns: Because this country was America. Where guns were plentiful and reluctance to use them rare (p. 548)...sad, isn't it?
4. Wanna Get Lucky by Deborah CoontsWhat happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. (So, won't say too much about the book except it was a fun read.)
This is the first in a series of mysteries which features Lucky O'Toole as the Director of Customer Relations for the over-the-top Babylon Hotel and Casino. When Lyda Sue falls to her death from a helicopter owned by the hotel, it is up to Lucky to figure out what happened, and soon before more people get hurt.
Was it murder? What prompted the event? And who is behind it all?
With a cast of memorably, wild characters, this is both a mystery as well as a romance. But enough about the book...it is Vegas after all (and I am willing to go back).
5. Nobody But You by Jill Shalvis4.5 stars...This contemporary romance, the third in a series, proves you can go home again, or find a person to make it home as it does for Sophia Marren and Jacob Kincaid.
Jacob, home on military leave after a deployment gone badly wrong, is not planning on staying. His issues with his family, particularly his identical twin Hudson, keep him at bay. Having lost Brett, his brother-in-arms, and his brother-in arms Chris's loss of limb in the same battle, he has become a half-empty glass kind of man...wanting to keep everyone away.
Enter green-eyed Sophia, a half-full glass kind of woman who doesn't want any man since her divorce a year earlier. They meet when she illegally 'parks'...actually moors...the boat she is now living on post-divorce at his dock. Taking him for a lake patrol officer, they butt heads. More than once until each lets down their guard as passion ensues.
Will Jacob come to grips with his family? Will Sophia find love despite her reservations? What will happen to the boat that is still desired by her ex?
While part of a series, this romance can be read without reading the previous two. The story has some spicy, erotic scenes and some graphic language. There are tender, heartbreaking moments particularly in regards to the way wounded soldiers are treated. There are also some hilarious moments as well, keeping it light, too. Overall, a lighthearted romance with elements of compassion.
6. Her Halloween Treat by Tiffany ReiszOne of the tamest romances this author has written, it is still hot with handyman Chris and brokenhearted Joey re-connecting in every which way.
7. Rock Me Hard by Olivia ThorneNow and then...in her freshman year of college, Kaitlyn meets Derek one night and chemistry between the pair ensues, but she already has a boyfriend. What's a girl to do? Play it straight and stay faithful, or go for it? She chooses the former, regretting it forever.
Now, he is a famous rocker, still in love with Kaitlyn if the lyrics to his songs mean anything, and she is the only journalist he is willing to be interviewed by. Now, what's a girl to do?
Going between the past and the present, the past is told, and the present ends in a cliff-hanger.
8. The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware4.5 stars for this thrilling, heart-stopping, nightmare-producing suspense novel.
Laura Blackstock (Lo to friends and family) is a journalist for Velocity, a travel magazine. She gets the chance of a lifetime to go on the maiden voyage of the Aurora, a small cruise ship traveling the fjords of Norway. Maybe, just maybe she'll even get to see and experience the Aurora borealis. As one character says, "Everyone should see the lights before they die," and that just may be the case for Lo.
Freaked by a break-in in her apartment just before she's to leave for the trip, she is justifiably nervous. Especially when she thinks she hears a woman's scream from the next door cabin followed by the sound of a thump and then a splash below, Lo investigates and even thinks she sees a smear of blood on the veranda's glass. It's 3:30AM, she calls for help, but the head of security doesn't believe her. He'll investigate...sure, but she was drinking quite a bit, wasn't she? No one is in the room; it is clean and empty including the blood smear, which is now gone.
Lo won't give up in her quest for the missing girl from that cabin...despite loss of evidence, interviews with crew and guest, and threats.
What happened in Cabin 10? What happened to the girl in the Pink Floyd t-shirt? Will Lo ever find out, or will it be the last she ever does?
Taut, scary, and mesmerizing, this novel is hard to put down despite 'bumps in the night.'
9. Opening Hearts by Iona FindleyA chance meeting on a cruise ship leads to three days of incredible sex for Jessalyn, a businesswoman, and Sam, a smokejumper (a specialized firefighter) in this contemporary romance.
Neither gets the other's last name before getting separated, but green-eyed Jess gets more than she bargained for. When she returns home to Brooklyn, she finds she is pregnant. Determined to raise this baby alone, she hires a contractor, Marcus Ricci, to remodel her home to accommodate a nursery.
His employee is his brother, Sam. More than a little surprised when they next meet, both Sam and Jessalyn find that the chemistry is still there. Neither has forgotten the other, but what next for the pair. What does Sam think about the pregnancy? Will Jess go it alone, raising the baby on her own, or will they get together again?
10. Crome Yellow by Aldous HuxleyHuxley's debut novel about Denis Stone's (a young poet) trip to the manor house of Henry and Priscilla Wimbush. Lots of ideas, stories, and philosophies contained within the guests of the manor. The reflect the prevailing attitudes of the post-World War I era and almost mocks and/or reflects the description of the kind of book Denis planned to write (pages 14 and 15) until he himself is mocked by Mr. Scogan.
quote on page 122 particularly seemed apt considering the current events "Wherever the choice has had to be made between the man of reason and the madman, the world has unhesitatingly followed the madman."
11. Shadows and Ghosts by Barbara FromanRelationships of all kinds is explored in this prize-winning novel. Mother-daughter, two sisters, doctors and their patients, and friends and lovers are all types of relationships that are dealt with to various degrees in this character-driven novel.
When Ida Mae Glick has a heart attack in her local grocery, her mother Edna pushes her soul back into her body (and hangs around for the rest of the book). Ida Mae is literally starving herself for her art (a literal starving artist)...that is, she has been living with and among the homeless that she is filming in her documentary. It is because of this radical change in lifestyle that she nearly dies.
A psychiatrist, Fern, is called into the case, but cracking through Ida Mae's protective armor may be too much for either of them. Both have mother issues; both have addiction/eating disorders, and there are more similarities between them than either wishes to acknowledge.
The difference: Edna is a ghost that is hanging around her hospital room and talking to Ida Mae, and Fern's mother is living with her, but both drive their daughters crazy.
For Ida Mae, add in an identical twin sister Lisa, and there is enough sibling rivalry to make a reader cry. Especially when they are both jealous of each other.
As the tale is spun out, Ida Mae's story comes out, Fern may realize that they have more in common than they know.
Poignancy, depth, and emotion are all hallmarks of this novel that makes the reader identify with these characters...and their own relationship with their mother and sister. Overall, loved the story and the characters especially ex-nun/biker chick Gloria and Max, Lisa's husband. Loved, too, the way the humanity of each and every character was brought out, making the reader examine their own humanity as well.
12. Hollow City by Ransom RiggsThis is the second novel in the Miss Peregrine series, which finds Jacob and the other peculiars leaving their sanctuary to save their beloved Miss Peregrine from the wights and hollows.
Discovering peculiar animals is just one of their many adventures as they battle to save her and return her to her human form before it is too late.
Combining vintage photos with the text is just brilliant, and makes the story pop. This second story is easier to get into than the first as a reader is already familiar with the some of the characters; however, there is a cliff-hanger ending setting up the third novel in the series.
Will Jacob ever get to return to his family or will he be forever stuck in 1940 or some other loop? Will the lives of the peculiar children be destroyed or will they finally be allowed to live openly without fear?
13. Rock All Night by Olivia ThorneFour years later, Kaitlyn and Derek meet again. He is a rock star; she is a journalist hoping to get the interview that will make a career. But sex, betrayal, and ego get in the way.
From lust to love to everything in between as Kaitlyn gets to know band members, Riley, Killian, Ryan, and Derek better. Rock band excesses and life on the road is just a part of the story in this sexy, graphic contemporary romance. Ending with another cliffhanger ending, what next for Kaitlyn and Derek... or could she wise up and end up with Ryan? This reader can only hope. 3.5 stars actually
The Yellow Wallpaper, a short story about a woman's descent into madness.
14. The Question of Max by Amanda CrossA twisted literary mystery of a dead college student, but was her death accidental or murder? Literary scholar and amateur sleuth Kate Fansler sets out to find out. Looking into the literary comings-and-goings of author Cecily Hutchins and her friends may help solve this mystery, but her friend Max isn't so happy about her snooping.
What does she discover out, and will her curiosity kill the kitty Kate?
15. Hard as Rock by Olivia ThorneFinishing up the trilogy finds Kaitlyn dealing with Derek's cheating, but with heartbreak and betrayal, there is a white knight in Ryan. He rescues her, bringing solace, comfort, and love. Derek isn't going away quietly, and his obsession may be the undoing of Kaitlin, Ryan, and even the band.
Will Kaitlyn become the Yoko Ono that breaks up the band? Will she ever make a choice between the two men she loves? Can there be a happily ever after for Kaitlyn? For Derek? For Ryan?
Lots of graphic language and sexual situations as well as some drinking and drug use so be forewarned; however, if the previous two books have been read, then a reader probably is already aware of this. The ending was also a bit disappointing, too.
16.Becoming Lisette by Rebecca GlennThe historical novel of Lisette, an artist, during a time when women were not encouraged to be anything other than a wife. Set in Paris, France during the beginning of the reign of King Louis and Marie Antoinette, spirited Lisette is determined to follow in her father's footsteps, but her stepfather is just as determined that she not. And he can control her by denying her access since he is now her guardian.
The author transports the reader to the 1770s, recalling the excesses of the French nobility, the fashions, the mores, and the realities of Paris. Lisette's spirit shines through as she fights to be more than a portrait painter, risking everything to paint allegories and more.
The author gifted me with a review copy, but that in no way affected this review (4.5 stars).
17. Her Naughty Holiday by Tiffany ReiszFake boyfriend or not?
Clover, successful, single business woman, is all that and more in this contemporary romance. Just that her family doesn't believe it. So enter Erick (with a C and a K), her fake boyfriend for the week of Thanksgiving as she hosts her family for the holiday.
Ruthie, his daughter, has set them up, but they discover faking it is making it in this tamer than normal Tiffany Reisz novel. It still is steamy, but their interactions dealing with her parents and siblings are worth the read alone. Passive-aggressive people are put on notice and correctly labeled.
18. Radiant by Elizabeth HayleyContinuing the romance of artist Siobhan and billionaire Derrick, it begins with her now in Detroit. He tracks her down and they start over. Their relationship is just as spicy, just as hot, but can Derrick accept her desire to make it on her own? Can he refrain from meddling and throwing his money around to guarantee her success? Or will they part company again?
The second part of the trilogy requires reading the first to truly appreciate this one, but it is possible to enjoy the story otherwise. And then there is always part three to bring closure to this couple... Will they have a happily ever after, and if so, where?
19. Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk by Ben FountainThis is the story of Billy Lynn, a soldier, one of a group of soldiers (Bravo) serving in Iraq. When one of their fire fights against insurgents goes viral on Fox News and YouTube, they become famous and are pulled home for a "Victory Tour." It is this that drives the story especially when they are forced to 'perform' at the halftime show for a Dallas Cowboys game.
Billy's internal dialogue as he meets and greets those rah-rah patriots (who would never serve in the Armed Forces themselves) is the focus of the novel. Meeting a Dallas Cowboys' cheerleader is the highlight of his day as his Bravo team is wined (although few are old enough to drink, but are old enough to give their lives) and dined by the owner of the team. Maybe even a movie will be made of their now famous battle IF everything comes together. Added to that, they are heading back to Iraq to finish their tour.
Having a son who served (and was deployed too many times), I had some difficulties with the story (the best being the last 30 pages). I empathized with Billy and his group. I understood why his family wanted something different. In the end, he and Bravo are the patriots...they are going back.
It is not always realistic (pulling the soldiers home for a photo op), but there are truths to be found in this literary novel.
20. Hart's Desire by Chloe FlowersA historical romance which features feisty Keelan Grey and Landon Hart sparring when first they meet. Dressed as a young lad, Keelan is being trained in self-defense by her father's servant Daniel. She is spirited and beautiful, and she catches the eye of Landon Hart, a sea-going captain of the "Desire." Because of her mother's experience, Keelan knows the heartbreak of loving a man of the sea and vows to never let it happen to her, yet she can't help but fall for the dashing Landon. Especially when he protects her more than once, and his kisses aren't too bad, either.
Keelan's father is dying and he only wants her to get married, and an arranged marriage is in works. That's not in Keelan's plans for her life and the two suitors (old Mr. Pratt and Everett Garrison, her father's physician) are not of her choosing. Still, Captain Hart is a rake, in her opinion, and no matter what, she doesn't want to admit to her feelings for him.
But will she ever realize what she feels for him? Or will she marry another? Will Hart win out?
This is the first of three books, and it seems true to the times. There are a few mistakes despite the editing, but none so glaring as to destroy the enjoyment of the story. The most egregious is the repeated misspelling of the word, court-martial.
While the story ends on the pair's happily-ever-after, there is a mystery to be resolved in the following novel. With an excerpt of the next novel Hart's Passion included in this proof, the author gives enough background from this one that a reader wouldn't be lost if they happen to miss this one, but as for this reader, hopefully, I'll read them in order. That the author loves one of my favorite romances, A Rose in Winter, is just an added plus.
21. All the Ugly and Wonderful Things by Bryn GreenwoodWow! Just wow! What a story...a story of love and redemption, a story of family, and a story of two people who make a relationship work despite everything that is thrown at them.
Wavonna Quinn (Wavy) is a character that is unforgettable as she lives the life she wants even with all the dysfunction she encounters in her life. Not only that she protects little brother Donal and loves him unconditionally, but she also loves Kellen and stars.
For Jesse Joe Kellen, it is love at first sight when he first sees Wavy at age eight. He does everything a parent should do (makes sure she goes to school, buys her clothes, etc.), and yet he is not her father. Her father ignores her; her mother treats her like trash.
It's this relationship that drives the story forward as it is told through multiple points of view. When Wavy's and Donal's parents are killed, it is Kellen who pays the price, protecting Wavy once again. Ultimately, this is a love story even if it appears dysfunctional.
Strong language, drug usage, so be forewarned, but definitely a story worth reading.
22. Q Road by Bonnie Jo CampbellA literary novel about quirky neighbors in Greenland Township, Michigan living on Q Road, known to the locals as Queer Road. The Centennial Farm of George Harland (and his ancestors) is the focus of the story (reminded me of my aunt's and uncle's Nichols farm in Flushing, Michigan...they, too, owned a Centennial Farm, sign and all).
Rachel loves the land and loves to cuss. In fact, she swore throughout whether it was warranted or not. George loves Rachel. The rest of the characters move in and out of the action (what action there is). The biggest action occurs in regards to the old barn on the property.
Language is colorful and rich; the characters are all interconnected.
2.5 stars actually
23. One Hot December by Tiffany ReiszVeronica 'Flash' Redding is a welder and artist. Ian Asher is her boss. One fabulous night together drives them apart, but can they get back together?
The third holiday themed contemporary romance by Tiffany Reisz is just as hot, just as erotic as her Original Sinners series, but more vanilla (and this is good vanilla, not milquetoast vanilla) in the spicy scenes.
The whole series is just fun reading with less predictable working class characters in protagonist roles. 4.5 stars...has a few pronoun issues (he for she, her for him, etc.)
24. Explicit Encounters edited by Elizabeth Coldwell2.5 stars actually. When you know you shouldn't...
but do anyway. Twenty erotic tales of explicit encounters, many of them raw and somewhat taboo. Students with teachers, bosses with employees, and more. Some are good, some not so good, but there is a definite mix. Lots of British terminology, too.
Warning: graphic sexual descriptions.
25. Exquisite by Elizabeth Hayley2.5 stars actually. The last book in the trilogy finds Siobhan with her artistic dreams coming true only to have lost Derick, her love. He has decided enough is enough. No more being jerked around trying to prove his love, but can he stay true to his resolve? Especially when she finally does her own "grand gesture" to prove her love for him.
But can she love him (and his wealth) unconditionally? Accept him as is, and he, her?
Recommendation: read all three or not at all as the stories only work together.
26. A Street Cat Named Bob by James BowenWhat can I say? I love cats, and how could you not enjoy reading about the transforming, redemptive power of Bob on the life of the author? Add to that a cat that is so smart that he trains himself to go to the bathroom by himself?
Telling Bob's story and his own story about living and making his way on the streets of London busking and selling the Big Issue (reminded me of the book read about one of the Big Issue vendors who turned his life around through his own writings and finding charities to support despite being homeless) as well as getting (and hopefully staying) clean and off heroin. At times, it was a bit disconcerting how dehumanized the author felt by those who interacted with him, but Bob's unconditional acceptance and love gave him the impetus to improve his life. Since it was a story of a cat, I feared it could be sad, but it was surprisingly upbeat (fortunately, the cat didn't die).
According to the book, Bob the Street Cat has videos on YouTube. They have been posted by some of his many fans who met him.
27. The Girl Before by J.P. Delaney"Please make a list of every possession you consider essential to your life." Thus begins the novel that follows two women, Emma and Jane, who both move into the residence at One Folgate Street and have their lives transformed by the place.
One Folgate Street is austere and state of the art, but not everyone who applies to live there passes the intense scrutiny of the leasing agent. A final interview with the architect who designed the place determines if the person is worthy to live there. Questionnaires and rules abound...including two hundred stipulations that must be agreed to. In fact, few make the cut, but for those that do, their lives will never be the same in this psychological thriller.
For Emma and Jane, there are eerie similarities between them. So eerie that they could almost be one and the same person. Each of them has had a personal tragedy that sets them up for living in this space. For Jane, after hearing about Emma, she sets out to find out just how much they are alike.
Alternating between Emma's point of view (then) and Jane's (now), the same patterns are chillingly repeated. Even the same descriptions, the same words. In the end, will Jane suffer the same fate as Emma; will she experience the same terror as the girl before?
Intense, spellbinding, and twisted, this thriller will have the reader questioning everything and everyone, and the heart-stopping action doesn't end until the final page.
28. Tutt and Mr. Tutt by Arthur Cheney TrainAn anthology of short stories about the inestimable Ephraim Tutt and his partner Tutt. These two lawyers win every case put before them despite what might be considered an open-and-shut case for the prosecution. Using their wits and the law, even obscure law, they get a man off for murder, protect citizens from unscrupulous businessmen, and more.
Originally published in 1920, the language is of such complexity and even somewhat archaic to the present that this reader was glad that it was read in an e-book format so that the complex words could be looked up.
quote from the last case: "You don't need to tell me what this plan of reorganization is; because they wouldn't propose one unless it was going to benefit them in some way, and the only way it can be made to benefit them is at the expense of the other stockholders."
29. Secrets of Men...in a Lifeboat by Todd R. BakerFull disclosure: I received this novel as a recipient of a First Reads Goodreads giveaway, but that in no way affected this review.
How does one rate a book that is on one hand positive and the other hand negative? How does one rate a book in which the protagonist is both a decent likeable person and an absolutely deplorable-acting jerk*? That is this reader's difficulty with this novel (Parts were 5 star quality; other parts were 1 star quality).
Luke, a down-on-his-luck single father, loves his eight-year-old son Trevor, but having over-reached with an entrepreneurial enterprise, he has lost his job,his home, and maybe even time with his kid.
On the verge of killing himself, he undergoes a miracle or actually many of them. Luke then becomes a successful, but brutal man, taking no prisoners as uses friends, employees, lovers, etc. until they become liabilities. He becomes everything that he planned when he was down and out. Yet, in the end, the outcome may be the same as when a choice must be made that will affect his son and him.
Is redemption possible? Life or death? Which will he choose? Can and will he make the right choices? Do miracles happen?
Loved the interactions between Luke (before) and Trevor. He's a great father who loves his kid and tries to do right by him. On the other hand, the interactions between Luke (after) and Trevor were downright sad. Loved the lemonette tree, too.
30. Thaw by Satya Robyn3.5 stars actually..Thawing out...
Or does she? Ruth is planning on killing herself. In ninety days unless she changes her mind. Journaling her life, the good days and the bad, she connects with new friends, Zoe, Mary, Sarah, and Red. Especially Red, who paints her portrait, and becomes more than that.
She reconnects with her aunt and father, too.
Is this enough? Is her sadness too overwhelming, or will she find the strength to continue? Follow Ruth's journey through her words, follow her thoughts as the time ticks down to her decision. A profoundly illuminating look at those self-harm and why a person might end his/her life. Does she? Or doesn't she?
31. The Haunted Bookshop by Christopher MorleySet post-World War I, The Haunted Bookstore is part mystery, part suspense, and part love story. Secondhand bookseller Roger Mifflin and his wife take on an assistant-apprentice in Titania as a book mysteriously disappears and re-appears. The book: Carlyle's Cromwell. Aubrey Gilbert, an advertising man, gets involved in the case.
What is going on? Why is this sudden interest in this book? Is the bookstore really haunted?
Reading vintage books (this one originally published in 1919) in e-book format allows the reader to check out the meaning of the complex words. Time and again, this one had this reader looking up meanings of words. Literature from earlier eras seems to be more erudite; the language more archaic but less superficial. There is actually some gravitas to the words even though the story may be a genre read.
32.Vanishing Games by Roger Hobbs3.5 stars actually...The sequel to Ghostman (which I have not read, yet) finds Jack and Angela back together after their last botched caper. It's been six years, and frankly Jack is bored. He is gambling away his life when he gets a message he never expected. Angela is alive and needs him to travel to Macau immediately.
A smuggling operation has gone bad, and it is up to two of them to retrieve the merchandise without getting themselves killed. Non-stop action and dangerous situations litter this thriller that has them battling both a mercenary and a triad (organized crime family). The writing style and even the plot is reminiscent of the novels of Gerald Browne, a writer this reader has enjoyed over the years.
Will they survive, and if so, will they get the merchandise?
33. Circling the Sun by Paula McLainBeryl Markham is the unconventional heroine of her life in Kenya in this historical novel. From pilot to horse trainer to involvement with various men including Denys Finch Hatton* (of Out of Africa and Karen Blixen* fame). Breaking the mold of what was considered right and proper by colonial Kenyan standards, she lived her life as she wished, making mistakes and great decisions, and some of them were probably quite heartbreaking for her, yet she soldiered on.
It makes for fascinating reading about her, the mores of colonial Kenya, and tribal culture.
That this reader has traveled to Kenya, visiting many of the areas mentioned (Eldoret, Nakaru, and Naivasha) brought the sights, sounds, and smells of Kenya alive once again and made the novel even more realistic.
34. Going for Kona by Pamela Fagan HutchinsGoing for broke...
Part mystery, part suspense, and in the end, a love story. Michele and Adrian are training for an Ironman triathalon when he is killed by a hit-and-run driver. This occurs the day after the release of their coauthored book, which drives sales.
Michele decides to continue training, to participate in the Kona race to honor her husband, yet at what cost? Her children, Sam and Belle, are paying the price, and custody is jeopardy. Added to that, the police are not looking for his killer. Or at least, not hard enough, and doing her own detective work may be as dangerous as training; however what doesn't kill us makes us stronger, and this story is part of a series called that.
Will Michele survive the race? Will she repair the rift with her kids? Will she go for broke?
35. Die Like an Eagle by Donna AndrewsThe twentieth Meg Langslow mystery finds her solving a murder of a man, Shep, at the baseball field where her and her husband Michael's twins, Josh and Jamie, are playing ball. Or trying to as the field is a mess, it is raining, and of course, it's a crime scene.
Meg once again helps the police solve the crime, but once again, she may get herself killed in the process. Organized by her everything-she-needs-to-know-to-breathe pad, she is helping out with the team and working with the city office and dealing with a bully, Biff, the half-brother of the victim. Was he the intended target, considering nearly all the baseball parents have had their issues with him? Or how about all the other people he has managed to tick off?
With as many reasons to off him as people who would like him offed, Meg has her hands full.
Another fun, humorous, bird-themed mystery from Donna Andrews (4.5 stars). A few possible typos...going/doing, when/what...encountered along the way.
36. Big Little Lies by Liane MoriartyThree women, three friends, three mothers...make up this story of Madeline, Celeste, and Jane. All three have children in the same kindergarten class. Madeline is a crusader with a long, unforgiving memory; Celeste is rich and beautiful with a secret; and Jane is a single mom who is barely holding on. When Madeline invites new-to-the-community Jane into her and Celeste's little circle, it sets off a cascade of events leading to a death.
In a school where rumors are rife and can destroy, some of the mothers of this kindergarten class have lots of power and aren't afraid to use it. As the tension ratchets up, secrets and lies will come to light especially when one member of the school community is killed during a school fundraiser.
Who died, and who did it? As the novel progresses, interviews of the various parents and teachers give insights into what happened that fateful night.
Lots of snarky, infantile thoughts by the characters throughout the story, but there are some issues of bullying and abuse which are addressed, too (redeeming the story). Nearly all the what-the-tuck trends are seen including a hair tucking incident near the end of the book. Several green-eyed characters appear, too.
37. The Fair Princess by Vanessa Kelly4.5 stars actually--Gillian Dryden, illegitimate daughter of a prince, is a feisty, bold young woman in this historical romance by Vanessa Kelly. Growing up without much parental oversightnin Sicily, and returning to England, she is the scandal of the ton. How is she to find a man to marry with her brash, outspoken ways and propensity to put gentlemen in their place (that is, skewer them with a word or even punch or knee them).
Enter the very proper Charles Valentine Penley, the Duke of Leverton, who has been tasked with teaching her the ways of London society. Can he tame her scandalous ways and outrageous behavior and language? The more he attempts to show her how to be a proper lady (despite her status as a by-blow), the more intrigued by and with her he becomes.
The same, too, for her. They verbally spar; she continues to defy his instruction; he rescues her again and again as she gets herself into trouble dealing with smugglers and miscreants. Yet, there is a growing admiration for each to the other. Might it even be love?
This romance is fun on so many levels. Gillian, the heroine is gutsy and unrepentant in her actions. She is loyal and protective of her mother; she is willing to risk life and limb for those she loves. She is outspoken, and even bawdy. Kelly has created a woman that is real in a time when the birth on the wrong side of the sheet caused scandal that could destroy a person for life.
Charles, known as Proper Penley for his fastidious adherence to the rules of decorum, is a handsome foil to Gillian's impetuosity. He even lets down his guard as to language and actions as the novel continues making him a perfect match for her.
Not only that, but there are few WTT trends seen. How novel!
38. Exodus of Magic by Simone Pond4.5 stars actually...Having read others by Simone Pond, this reader knew, or certainly suspected, that it would be a treat, and it was. She has deftly moved from YA dystopian fiction to the genre of urban fantasy.
On graduation day from operative school in Mysterium, Jordan Baschur, adopted granddaughter of the Prime Master, finds herself protecting the attendees from a mage-terrorist by using her hidden, illegal magic. Unfortunately, the Prime Master's chief counselor, Magnus, blackmails her into working secretly for him. This sets off a cascade of events leading to her discovery of an ancient prophecy.
That prophecy involves her...in fact, she discovers she is the Chosen One. The one who will save the Ancient Ones of the left-bank of Mysterium, that is, if she survives. Paranormal creatures including a powerful warlock are out to stop her, but she will be joined by other magical persons in this first novel of this series.
The novel is engaging right from that start so that it is difficult to stop reading. The characters, both the good and the bad, are realistic (for the genre), making this a fun read.
One little nit-picky thing: the term Chosen One was over utilized especially by the protagonist. Perhaps it was meant to be funny, but it was a bit tedious; however, having said that, when she was called by others, CO, that was rather clever.
Looking forward to reading the upcoming second book in the series. WTT trends of green-eyed characters!
39. The Women in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck4.5 stars actually...Set before, during, and after World War II, this is a sweeping historical novel of (primarily) three women who lived through the atrocities of the war in Germany.
Marianne, Benita, and Ania are three very different women, and each has a story to tell, lies to conceal, and families to rear in difficult times. They come together, all living in a cold, drafty castle in Germany as their lives, as they knew it, are forever changed in the aftermath of the devastating events of this war.
Resistor and widow Marianne von Lingenfels feels it is her duty to protect and save those who have become displaced by the Nazis and the war itself.
Benita Flederman is the wife of Marianne's childhood friend, Connie, and is the first of the women Marianne knows she must save of the women who are related to those men attempt to assassinate Hitler.
Ania Grabarek is a woman who is escaping the Russian soldiers marching east as German soldiers are marching west. Caught between opposing forces, she and her children find protection under Marianne's roof.
The trio and their children form an often uneasy alliance even as each hides secrets from each other. Bonds are formed; lives become intertwined and are transformed in this novel that spans nearly sixty years. Redemptive and poignant, painful and hopeful, this one shows another side to the war and how much it impacted the lives of ordinary (and not-so-extraordinary) citizens living during a tumultuous time.
40. Accompanying Alice by Terese RaminWhen good Samaritan, Alice Meyer, stops to check out a body lying by the road, she doesn't realize what it will mean for her. All she knows is that she has just turned thirty-five and suddenly freed of the obligations of single parenthood as her twin daughters have flown the coop, and it has been a bad week.
When FBI agent Gabriel Book shoves a gun in the of the woman who stopped by the side of the road to help, he doesn't realize what it will mean for him. All he knows is that one of his partners has betrayed him and left him for dead.
Reluctantly joining forces, Alice suddenly has an uninvited guest in her home and Gabriel must trust someone to protect his identity. Added to that, it is the week of Alice's younger sister Grace's wedding and her home is being overrun with family particularly her sisters. Explaining Gabriel to her sisters is a situation that fraught with difficulty until he claims to be her boyfriend the same day he has found sanctuary in her home.
Yet, they do connect, and quickly, during this busy, crazy week of constant interruptions with aunts, uncles, cousins, daughters, and sisters, but will this relationship actually last when each knows they shouldn't get involved? Will they risk their hearts...for a love that matters?
This romance starts a bit slowly, is not particularly graphic in regards to sexual situations, but it has its moments particularly when each of them is sharing the similar thoughts and almost says exactly what the other one is thinking at the same time.r
WTT trends...hair tucking, green-eyed characters
Quote:
"...words wounded more easily than shrapnel, did more damage, were harder to remove." (page 90)
41. Life, Love, and a Polar Bear Tattoo by Heather WardellA love story of a different kind...
How can a reader, especially one who went to a university whose mascot is a polar bear, not enjoy a book with a title like this? Rhetorical question or not, this was a different sort of romance. Real life issues (fear of cancer, fear of a failing marriage, fear of separation, and fear of making bad decisions) fill the pages.
Candice and Ian have been married two years. The first year was magical, the second scarred by the loss of his parents in a car accident. Words of blame, quiet remorse, and more all lead to questions of whether the marriage is worth saving. Especially when Ian leaves for a month in Bangladesh, and Candice is obligated to work with her old love Kegan. Time and distance, and too much drama fuels intimate moments.
Will the marriage last, or will Candice choose Kegan? Tears galore throughout as life changing decisions are made. Including to tattoo or not to tattoo.
Go Bears! Absolutely loved the cover of this novel.
42. Thumbsucker by Walter Kirn3.5 stars actually...this coming-of-age novel finds Justin a thumbsucker extraordinaire. Trading one oral fixation for another after another...sex, drugs, liquor, Ritalin, fly-fishing, religion...Justin just needs to grow up, which is the plight of every teen. His family (his father Mike, his mother Audrey, and younger brother Joel) all play their part. Sometimes it's positive, sometimes not, but often with hilarious outcomes. If only he could have his thumb back...will his dentist, Perry Lyman, hypnotize him again?
As an aside, I chose this book from a Bookcrosser's Quirky Book Box about 7-8 years ago. Glad I finally read it, and yes, it was quirky and even a bit reminiscent of Catcher in the Rye from a 1980s point of view.
43. River of Magic by Simone PondThe second book in the Mysterium Chronicles finds the heroine Jordan Temple becoming more comfortable in her role as the Chosen One. Trying to escape from the clutches of Magnus and his operatives, she guides the flotilla of Ancients down the River Elin toward the Ancients' homeland.
But it won't be easy as she battles her way toward the Rankin Gate. Paranormal creatures from various cities keep interfering, especially in the city of Endor. With her posse of Chloe, Benjamin, Matthias, and CeeCee, she may find the resources... or not.
Magic, enchantresses, evil witches, shifters, and more make for an exciting, heart-racing read leaving readers enthralled and on the edge. Will she or won't she complete her quest? Will the Ancients find their mythical city again?
While the story is complete as is, the ending is a cliffhanger though awaiting the third novel, Wrath of Magic.
44. Return to Love (Willow Valley #1) by Christine KingsleyA quick romance. A woman with secrets, a man with swagger, and a child is the gist of this romance.
When Jack Martin returns to town, he runs into an old friend, the younger sister he never had, except Cassie is all grown up now and hot. Also she's a single mother of an adopted daughter, who looks just like her.
45. Spill Simmer Falter Wither by Sara BaumeA literary novel of a sad man and his sad dog. Both are misfits; both are lonely; both are fearful. Both have had difficult lives (and continue to have difficult lives as the book progresses).
Divided into four parts (with the parts depicting the four seasons), the story is full of beautiful prose descriptions of the flora and fauna as Ray tells One-Eye all about what he is experiencing and seeing. The greens of spring, the ripening and heat of summer, the browning out of fall, and the cold frostiness of winter are all described to his dog.
He also describes his sad life with his father through the years, and the dog just listens.
Read it for the descriptions; read it for the prose. Read it for the lovely English/Irish language that is so different from American expressions. I must admit that at times I didn't know what to think about the story.
46. Love's Funny Like That by Pamela Burford3.5 stars actually-- Four high school friends make a pact to play matchmaker IF any of them are unmarried when she turns the Big 3-0!
Well, hypnotherapist Raven (named after Poe's poem) is the first to turn thirty, and her friends have just the man picked out. Brent is perfect (a stone hunk!), that is until the first date where she meets his younger brother. From the get-go, it is pure chemistry, but neither wants to act on it in this contemporary romance. For her, it is the obligation of trying three months of dates; for Hunter, it is not to betray his brother.
Yet, faking fear of heights and battling the inability to speak in front of an audience bring this pair uncomfortably close. Will chemistry win out, or will Brent, the stone hunk, put the ring on Raven's finger?
47. Blindsided (Seattle Steelheads) by Jami Davenport3.5 stars actually...A contemporary romance of dreams, a marriage of convenience, dysfunctional families, and what is most important.
Tanner, a professional quarterback for the Cleveland Browns (sorry,actually the Seattle Steelheads, but reading about the lack of an offensive line and hotdog quarterbacks who aren't producing seemed straight of the Browns playbook) is struggling on and off the field. His exploits off the field have him labelled as the team's horndog as he is seen with starlets, celebrities, and more. With new management wanting a more family oriented team, he's told to shape up, and fast.
Emma, the youngest of several sisters who grew up with parents who were two-hit wonders, has a secret life of singing karaoke. Secret, because of a pact made with her sisters to never become too involved in music like their parents. But she is good and dreams of making it as a singer. She also has a 'waiting until marriage' policy ever since she got her heart broken in high school; however, she has had a major crush on Tanner since her freshman year in college. To her, he is The One.
Ignored by most people as the good girl, Emma stays under the radar, but one night everything changes when she and bad boy Tanner sing a duet at karaoke. Lies on top of lies land the pair suddenly married. At least for the season, that is.
Will either get their happily ever after? Will either of them succeed in achieving their dreams? Will either ever admit to secretly loving the other? Or will the quest for success destroy a chance for happiness?
Spicy sexual scenes, some language, and plenty of WTT trends (green eyed characters, hair tucking incidents to name two) seen, but overall a fun romance with two realistically flawed characters.
48. Skating on Thin Ice (Seattle Sockeyes) by Jami DavenportA contemporary sports-themed romance of two people who both have trust issues, having been burnt badly in the past, and a passion for hockey.
Ethan Parker wants a NHL hockey team in Seattle in the worst way; Lauren wants to move up and be recognized for the contributions she provides to the team in Gainesville, Florida. Unfortunately, these two goals are at odds with each other.
Playing undercover boss in a sense, Ethan goes there to secretly vet the team he hopes to buy, and he and Lauren are thrust together so that she can show him what is up. Chemistry between the two is off the charts, but if he gets his way, the team will move. If she gets her way, the team will stay in Florida because the idea of Seattle is just too much to consider.
Will they get beyond the trust issues as secrets are revealed? Will Lauren get the recognition she deserves? Will Ethan get his team? Will love win out or bank off the boards?
Spicy scenes, but not overly graphic; however, a warning is given to readers. WTT trends...lots of hair tucking, hot billionaire alpha male, but on the other hand Lauren had hazel eyes (a departure from a strictly green-eyed character). Loved the use of the phrase puck bunnies (okay, maybe got old after repeated use, but it was clever).
As an aside, this reader wonders if the author ever lived in Ohio. The description of the Sockeye logo sounds exactly like the Toledo Walleyes hockey team's logo. Same giant fish holding a stick with teeth knocked out...only difference is the color.
