100+ Books in 2025 discussion
2022 Lists
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Nan's 2022 Reads
52. The Brighter the Light by Mary Ellen ThompsonA family saga of the highest order, with betrayal and secrets galore.
Written with two different timelines, the story of Edna, Jake, and Ruth in the 1950s overlaps with the story of Ivy, Dani, Dalton, and Matthew in the present time. How they connect and why makes for page-turning reading.
One particular summer when an old shipwreck reveals itself after a storm sets off a chain reaction that reverberates across the years, and it plays out when it reveals the shipwreck once again after another storm. Will the sea give up its secrets?
A fair amount of What-the-tuck trends...hair tucking (of course), green-eyed character(s), winks, and smirks. Still one of my favorite reads this year.
52.5. The Rusalka Ritual and Other Tales by Freya PickardSomehow this reader missed the fact that the stories contained within are short stories, just glimpses of stories, leaving this reader perplexed. Perplexed from the fact that the stories jump from venue to venue, jump from fantasy time to real time, but having finally figured it out, they make more sense. Having said that, it gives a reader a reason to delve more deeply into Pickard's other longer fantasy novels.
One character, Dracomagan, seems to slip in and out of each story, playing various roles. Is this character good or evil? Sometimes it isn't easy to tell, but maybe that's a good thing...that Dracomagan, like humans, are not all good, not all evil.
So, too, a few other characters show up in different stories, again causing those erk-zoom* moments that this reader experienced while reading the stories.
53. Project Hail Mary by Andy WeirScience fiction at its best--when there is actual science going on and lots of fiction to back it up.
Dr. Grace is a junior high school teacher, who is dragged into a humanity-saving effort because of a paper he'd written. Finding out that some of his suppositions are wrong doesn't stop Stratt from making him into her second-in-command.
Flipping back and forth from his re-awakening in the Tau Ceti galaxy to how he got there in the first place makes fascinating, hard-to-put-down reading. Can he save the sun from darkening and life on earth? Or will he fail? Will he ever know since this a suicide mission?
Loved the character of Rocky as well as Grace as well as reading about their heart-racing adventures.
Can't wait to discuss this book in our library book group; may even have to read his other novels, too.
54. Strangers We Know by Elle MarrDNA connections...
DNA connects a young woman, Ivy Hon, to the Full Moon Killer, or so she is told by the FBI. Ivy, who was adopted, goes looking for her birth family, but will that bring her answers she needs or just set her on the path to danger?
The more she learns, the greater the danger in this twisted tale of suspense. Will she survive or will the serial killer strike with the Full moon?
Elle Marr has the gift for heart racing suspense. This is the second of hers I have read, and I was not disappointed.
A fair amount of What-the-tuck trends (green eyed characters, smirks, winks, and hair tucks).
55. Horse by Geraldine BrooksRacism then and now, interspersed with a riveting tale of the greatest racing horse ever known, the man who groomed and trained him, a discarded painting of surprising value, and a skeleton. The relationships forged in enslavement and freedom play out over time.
55.5 Aloha, Baby! by Ann Omasta
Three friends ban together in this contemporary romance novella.
Lani makes a mistake by falling in love with a mainlander when he rejects her and the baby they create together.
What to do? Best friends Honi and Kai come to her rescue, but is that what she wants for herself? Is Honi's desire to become the baby's father realistic or not? Will their friendship be ruined, or is it possible for the two to become a real couple?
56. Poison for Breakfast by Lemony SnicketA YA novel, which is a thoroughly bewildering book design to make a person think (okay, a philosophical book, but who reads philosophy books? At times hilarious, which made this reader laugh out loud, but also serious as times as the reader was made to think, too.
57. The Twelve Jays of Christmas by Donna Andrews
This is the thirtieth book in the bird-themed mystery series. This finds Meg Langslow dealing with an artist, who is dodging ex-wives and journalists among others, and getting ready for the holidays. When he is killed (and of course, he probably deserves it as most of the people murdered in these mysteries do), it's up to the Caerphilly police department and Meg to solve the case. Wombats occur in this one, and any novel that mentions wombats is a winner!
58. The Three Rules of Everyday Magic by Amanda Rawson Hilla tween story about loss and the magic that can restore it, maybe. With the loss of her dad in her life because of deep depression, her best friend Sophia to a changing situation, and her grandmother, Grammy, to dementia, Kate learns new realities.
59. Death is Like a Box of Chocolates by Kathy AaronsThe first in a series of cozy mysteries, which features amateur sleuths Michelle and Erica (co-owners of a shop selling books and chocolates).
A sweet mystery...who poisoned the chocolates and killed the friend? Will Michelle's and Erica's business ever recover? Especially in time for the First Annual Fudge Contest?
60. Breaking Beauty by Stella Andrewsa contemporary romance featuring too much drama with the two protagonists going back and forth between love and hate. Told through their individual perspectives, each is overly dramatic in turn, but in the end it is a happily ever after (or is it?) as it is the first in a series. The price was right though.
61. Murder Most Fowl by Donna AndrewsThis is the twenty-ninth book in the bird-themed series, which features Meg Langslow with her notebook that-tells-her-when-to-breathe and her extensive family and friends.
In this one, the Scottish play is being put on by her husband Michael and his Drama department. Drama is right when the English and History departments add their attention to the play, a group of re-enactors join in, a filmmaker is filming them all, and a vandal or vandals all end up at their house and grounds.
Per usual, a murder occurs and the person deserves it, but to solve it will take the Caerphilly police and Meg working together.
Less humor than normal, but still plenty of crazy antics by family, friends, and the people mentioned above.
And nothing about T2, will that mystery of what happened to T2 EVER be resolved? This reader hopes so.
62. Bound by Duty by Stormy SmithParanormal fantasy about a young woman, Amelia, who has grown up not knowing enough about herself except for the fact that she is betrothed (and has been since birth) to the (unknown-to-her) prince of the evil queen Julia and that she has some uncontrollable powers. Wanting to have a somewhat normal life, she enrolls in college and lives with Bethany, her roommate and best friend.
Once there, she meets a young man, Aiden, with whom she has a strong connection. What could go wrong? With her powers beginning to spike, Amelia is trying to hide them from her best friend, Bethany, Bethany's boyfriend, Micah, and Aiden, of course. Yet unknown forces are doing their best to make her reveal herself by attacks. Why? She isn't sure, but her emotions are all over the place, and the more she learns, the worse it is for her and her friends. Will she choose love or duty?
The story ends where it begins with Amelia in the clutches of the forces beyond her control, and still no real resolution, just a cliffhanger.
In the What-the-tuck trends, this YA novel (it seems like YA at least, because of all of the drama of over-the-top flipping-back-and-forth emotions) there are plenty of winks and smirks, but that's about it. Quite a few typos (wrong words, missing words, etc.) throughout which could easily be corrected with an extra set of eyes.
The price was right (a free download if this reader remembers correctly), but not sure about being so invested in the characters that reading the sequel is a priority; however, maybe younger readers like teens and twenty-somethings would love this book. 2.5 stars
Loved the purple bolts of Amelia's power and it was easy to guess that Aiden had special powers, too...actually I thought he'd turn out to be the prince, but I was wrong.
63. Gone to the Woods by Gary PaulsenHaving never read Hatchet (or any of his other stories), Paulsen's story about his childhood was eye-opening.
His ability to learn and survive his parents, his time in the woods with his aunt and uncle (which probably saved him ultimately), his time in Manila, and the library and the librarian, and even his time in the Army all go into making the man who he ultimately became.
This is written for young readers, but everyone can profit from this book. The author is straightforward, not maudlin about the events of his childhood even when he could have been. It makes the reading all the more compelling.
This reader may have to read some of his fiction especially now knowing the events that shaped the boy into the man.
His story about the doe was the only emotionally sad moment in the book...how he managed to distance himself from all his experiences, and yet...
64. Night of Miracles by Elizabeth BergThe follow-up to The Story of Arthur Truluv is as tender and moving as the original. Some of the characters such as Lucille, Maddy, and Nola are back, but there is a whole new set of characters such as Monica, Iris, Tiny, Jason, Abby, and Lincoln, who become as important and enmeshed in the community of Mason.
Lucille is now teaching baking lessons, and is doing so well that she's taken on an assistant, newcomer Iris. She's also gotten to be friends with her new neighbors, Jason, Abby, and their son Lincoln, whom she often watches. The angel of Death visits her, but before she goes, she wants her miracle.
Will she get her miracle? Will others get their miracle as well?
A bit of a tearjerker, but like its predecessor, it is well worth the read. While it could be read as a stand-alone, read them both. Just a feel-good book.
65. Thankless in Death by J.D. RobbThe week of Thanksgiving--a time for family, a time for feasting, a time for being grateful, but for Lt. Eve Dallas, Peabody, Roarke, and the homicide unit, a time for murder.
An ungrateful, self-indulgent young man, Jerry Reinhold, stabs his mother when she tells him he has to get a job. How dare she? Then he stabs her again and again. He lies in wait for his father, and then bludgeons him to death with a baseball bat. So begins this thirty-seventh novel in the series.
Having finally discovered his "thing" in life, Jerry starts murdering those who he feels have wronged him, and clearing cash, bank accounts, electronics, etc. in the process.
Dallas and crew work to stop the carnage and catch him before he murders more. Will she ever catch a break, or will she constantly just miss out catching him? Will his luck ever run out? Will Dallas get to actually celebrate Thanksgiving with Roarke's extended family and friends?
66. Dangerously HOT by Lynn Raye HarrisRomance during a military operation is Lucky's and Kevin's story.
Lucky (or not-so-Lucky) had once been held and tortured by the head of the Freedom Force. Shot and left for dead, the man, Al Ahmad, has just been outed as being alive. Since Lucky is the only one who has ever seen his face, she is recruited to help get him.
Kevin has the job of recruiting her back to HOT (Hostile Operations Team), but will she allow old wounds and hurts to be enough to keep her out? Or will she agree, if only reluctantly?
Sparks fly and chemistry prevails, but it's a dangerous mission. Will they be able to work together, or will their attraction for each other distract them into making mistakes? The peace of the world may just depend upon this mission being successful.
A few tiny mistakes (typos or wrong word choice) and only a very few What-the-tuck trends were found.
66.5 My Last Name by Eric M. Shumachera short story about a woman dying of dementia. By recalling her last name she remembers joys and sorrows, and the life she led.
A touching story.
67. Flowers in the Snow by Danielle StewartI have to say that the novel starts out slowly. It was hard to get through the first couple chapters (too much positivity, too much telling, not showing...just too much), but the story began to get much better as the story continued.
As the main character, Betty, begins telling of her life in the small town of Edenville, North Carolina (hardly an Eden) to her extended family, the story gets much better.
Betty's childhood during the early 1960s has its moments, but most of them are not positive. She feels unwanted, unloved, lonely, and ugly. The only friend she has is Simpson, a neighborhood boy. Trying to live a loving, spiritual life has her acting in ways in which most of the white citizens do not approve.
When she protects a young black girl, Alma, from boys who would harm or possibly kill her, she sets herself apart from her family and nearly all of the people living on her side of town. She becomes a pariah, but it is the relationship she forms with Alma and her family that sustains her through a rocky integration story.
Once, Betty gets into the story, it is realistic and moving. It is heart-wrenching and, sometimes, difficult to read. Overall, glad to have read it, and am considering reading more of the series.
68. The Lost Apothecary by Sarah PennerWomen, poisons, revenge, and more are just part of the story of an apothecary who dispenses justice.
Set in London in the 1790s as well as the current era, three women (Nella, Eliza, and Caroline) tell the story.
Women who have been wronged and request help have only to leave a note in the hole-in-the-wall hidden apothecary shop to start the process. Will Nella help them in their time of need, or will she not?
One such note leads the young girl, Eliza to Nella, but will she get justice?
Yet, sometimes the customer doesn't get the justice desired, and what happens then?
Caroline's trip to London starts by joining a group of Mudlarkers, and leads her to a historical mystery, but it also leads her into trouble.
Impressive debut novel.
69. Hatchet by Gary PaulsenHaving read Paulsen's memoir, I wanted to read one of his novels. This is the story of Brian Robeson, who survives a plane crash in the wilds of Canada. He is on his way to visit his father when the pilot suffers a heart attack, causing his death and ultimately the crash. Alone, he tries to land the plane safely, and then he learns to survive in the woods, near the lake where the pilot crashed.
Brian learns how to create a fire, which allows him to cook the fish he learns to catch. His sole tool is his hatchet, which is instrumental to his survival before his eventual rescue nearly two months later.
How many tween boys could survive at all, with rudimentary skills? Yet, Brian never gives up, learning from his mistakes and finding innovative ways to make do under the circumstances.
70. The Last Correspondent by Soraya M. LaneA historical novel of women correspondents (one photographer, one journalist) set during World War II, particularly the D-Day landing.
Told from the perspective of Ella, Danni, and Chloe, a model involved with a journalist/Resistance member, the reader is treated to the misogyny of male journalists and military men who think that war is no place for women. Yet Ella and Danni are determined to be some of the first correspondents when the invasion occurs.
Touching, sad, graphic, heartbreaking, and even some romance, these women see too much, experience too much, but deliver even against huge odds. Or do they?
71. Beauty's Kingdom by A.N. Roquelaure (Anne Rice)The fourth (and final) story in the erotic Sleeping Beauty series, written 30+ years after the first was published. The kingdom is disarray and several "citizens" search out Beauty and Laurent to return and bring the kingdom back to its glory days.
New characters (Lady Eva, Dmitri, Lexius, Alexi, etc.) meet with many of the original characters (Beauty, Laurent, Tristan, etc.) in this sequel.
As might be expected, the erotic novel is sexually explicit with plenty of spicy scenes between the various characters. There are BDSM scenes with "punishments" just because that is the culture of this naked pleasure slave culture.
I'm not sure I would have understood some of the situations (the ponies, for example) had I never read the previous three. I don't think it would ever do well as a stand-alone although some of the writing does attempt to bring a novice reader up to speed (but it slows down the narrative especially in the beginning).
Best to read the previous three books if a reader wants to understand this one (and get to know the main characters).
72. Concealed in Death by J.D. RobbEve Dallas takes on the murder of twelve young girls all concealed in the walls of a building just purchased by Roarke. Who are these girls and who killed them? It's up to Eve and Peabody to get the job done before Christmas.
73. Daughters of the Occupation by Shelly Sanders
A historical novel of the Holocaust that took place in Latvia during World War II. Miriam and her family are Jewish, and first the Russians, then the Nazis, and then the Russians again persecute and murder the Jews in Latvia, particularly in Riga. The story is told from alternating time-frame (early 1940s in Riga and 1976 in Chicago ).
74. The Salt Path by Raynor Winn
A fatal diagnosis and the loss of their home sets Moth and Raynor on an impulsive trip walking the 630-mile South West Coast Path in Great Britain. With little money, a guidebook, and rucksacks on their back, they begin a trip of walking, living in a tent, and barely surviving wind and weather. Lyrical, poetic language makes up the memoir and how it revitalized the pair in the adventure of a lifetime. Moth even gets called Simon Armitage, one of England's most famous poets.
75. When They Weren't Looking by Zoe YorkOne night of lovemaking with a total stranger? What could go wrong, or could it be absolutely right?
Evie, a single mother of two boys, suddenly finds herself in a bar alone, but not for long. A graduate student finds her attractive and they strike up a conversation that leads to more. Lots more since this night of safe, albeit hot, sex has consequences in the form of a pregnancy.
Realizing she doesn't even know his name, she's in a quandary. What to do as she knows she wants the baby even if she is barely surviving (financially, that is).
Meanwhile, Liam is also looking for her, but he has some clue to her identity. He wants more than one night, but the baby...will it pull them apart or bring them together?
How long can she keep her pregnancy a secret in the small town of Wardham? What about the affect on the boys? Will they accept the father of her child or not? Will she when she realizes the differences in their ages?
While Liam embraces the possibility of a future together, Evie is too aware of the age difference and other potential roadblocks. Can he bring her around?
Loved the diabetes diagnosis, but felt that was too easily dismissed as taken care of because the reality is that a few days in the hospital, etc. probably wouldn't solve all ongoing problems with a person with Type 1 diabetes. Low and high glucose levels, insulin injections, testing, diet changes, and so much more would cause constant vigilance on the part of the child, mother, and father.
A few WTT trends (smirks and lots of winks), but a satisfying ending, overall. Plus an extra story tacked to the end of the novel (review to come under the heading of the title).
75.5 Beneath These Bright Stars: The Honeymoon by Zoe YorkThe story of the wedding of Evie and Liam a year after the birth of their daughter Ava.
Most of the novella centers around Evie becoming a bridezilla, which hardly endears this reader to her (good thing there were positive feelings about the character from the previous novel featuring the pair).
On the other hand, Liam is more than solicitous toward her moodiness, working his magic to please her.
The wedding itself was well described and redeemed the story, as did the short section on the honeymoon.
Too many WTT trend of wink(s) and a smirk or two.
76. By Her Own Design by Piper HuguleyAnother hidden figure brought to light, Ann Lowe, the fashion designer who created ball gowns for socialites and their daughters. Her designs included Jacqueline Bouvier's wedding dress.
From her early days in Alabama learning to sew from her grandmother and mother to her time in Tampa dressing the social elite to her time with her own shop in New York, Ann Lowe struggles to be recognized for her abilities as a designer although she becomes well known for her innovative clothing. She's the secret no one talks about because of her race.
Told from Ann's perspective, this story sucks the reader in, making the reader weep for the injustices perpetuated upon the artist. From her early beginnings in the 1920s through the 1960s, she creates fabulous clothing all while having personal struggles of her own.
Fabulous story, which is definitely worth reading. Frankly, it was hard to put the book down since her story was so full of twists and turns starting with the near-disaster of the Bouvier-Kennedy wedding party dresses. How will she recreate the dresses in a week?
77. Rules of Negotiation by Inara Scott3.5 stars...this contemporary romance has a tightly-wound attorney, Tori, and an overly controlling businessman, Brit Bencher (AKA The Slayer), bumping heads (and other parts of their bodies).
As the lead negotiator on a business deal, Tori meets Brit, the man who is buying a friend's business. Not only does he get the business, he discovers he wants Tori, too. Sparks fly between them, but can Tori let him in? Or do the lessons of the past, taught by her dying mother, prevent her from giving in to her emotions? Will she choose her career over the possibility of a relationship? Is making partner more important than love? Ultimately, will her rules of negotiation rule her life?
As for Brit, can he settle for one woman?
78. Forced Bet by Golden Angel2.5 stars. A young collegian, Allison, wants to explore her sexuality, and in so doing, sets off a string of "dates" with another collegian, Todd.
As the upper middle class daughter whose parents want her to find the Right man (read: wealthy, with a similar pedigree as them), Allison walks a straight line of being "perfect" for them.
Enter Todd, who finds out her fantasy of being blackmailed for her kinky proclivities by getting her drunk. Taking her back to his apartment begins the debauchery, which starts by being tied up and then losing her virginity with anal sex among other sexual acts. She hasn't even had vaginal sex yet, by the way. Filming all of it, the sex, being tied up, etc. starts the blackmail, which she becomes his to command. Sex toys, nipple clamps, a menage, you-name-it...over the course of several dates, she experiences it all. How she doesn't become knocked up during these marathon "dates" is beyond this reader. No mention of birth control or safe sex practice ever mentioned.
Gritty, raw, graphic, and over-the-top with a fair amount of WTT trends seen like smirks and winks throughout. Having read another story by this author, the reader still thinks that some of the cruder language sounds more like a man's writing; yet, some of the language seems like a woman's voice. It's more porn, than erotica in my opinion.
79. Round Up the Usual Suspects by Donna AndrewsThis is the thirty-first Meg Langslow mystery, and it was both a throwback to her first bird-themed mystery (Murder With Peacocks) and completely different from all the others.
The throwback to Murder With Peacocks finds Meg dealing with peacocks for a wedding, this time her brother Rob's wedding to his fiance as opposed to her mother's wedding to what-would-have-been a stepfather and a couple of other weddings all at the same time. The peacocks are just as much trouble this time, too.
The difference between this mystery and the rest of them is this one has Meg chasing around, basically researching cold cases to figure out which of them triggered the attack (read: attempted murder) on Casey. Her nephew Kevin and Casey have started a podcast about old cases, one of which has caused someone to be nervous.
Will Meg figure out which case is behind the attack before someone gets hurt or killed? Will she solve the cold cases, or will she become a target, too?
A bit slow to start, but contains Andrews' humor in the voice and actions of her protagonist, Meg. It also has plenty of typical family interactions and situations. And she solves the cases, too.
80. Somebody's Daughter by Ashley C. FordThe memoir of Ashley C. Ford...her life dealing with the fact that her father is in prison, her body attracting the wrong sort of attention, and her mother's changing moods.
Moving and raw, her story is one to read. Ashley learns to make herself invisible, hiding away from family, friends, and teachers particularly after she is assaulted.
Getting to know her father and the reason he is incarcerated makes for interesting reading.
81. We Thought You'd Be Prettier by Laurie NotaroA series of essays, written in a humorous style, about observations and foibles the author experiences. Using many cultural references to get her ideas across, the essays range from dealing with drivers to the ridiculousness of cloning cats to her painting class. Many of them are laugh-out-loud funny, and boy, did I chuckle often during reading the various essays.
Full of snarky remarks.
Never having read her before, I realize she writes more than just hilarious essays. I may check one of her novels just to see a different style of writing.
82. The MacKinnon's Bride by Tanya Anne Crosbya historical romance that features a young woman who is captured to act as a ransom for the son of a Scottish laird, but romance ensues.
83. Only Bad Options by Jennifer EstepThis is Estep's foray into sci-fi/fantasy. Vesper Quill, a lowly lab rat for the Kent Corporation, has discovered a design flaw in the new airship, which caused a crash killing all aboard.
When she reports it, she is immediately sent off to what should be a death sentence. Will her psionic magic help her, or will her magical ability as a seer knowing just how to fix things help her?
When she meets Kyrion, a ruthless killer, will he be the one to strike the killing blow?
Overall, she only has bad options, but can she outsmart all the baddies?
Estep has created another kickass heroine in Vesper Quill, a worthy opponent in Kyrion and an evil ruler in Callus Holloway. What more can you want in this game of lab rats vs. Regals?
84. Queen of Babble in the Big City by Meg CabotLizzy Nichols is back, and she's taking on New York along with her best friend Shari.
She needs a home, a job, and money; that's all, but things don't play out as she expects.
She ends up living with her boyfriend Luke after a short amount of time; she gets two jobs, one paid and one unpaid, and she doesn't get what she expects for Christmas from Luke, but the least romantic gift ever.
On the other hand, she's making some inroads into doing what she really wants, that is, if she can survive NYC. Will her dreams come true, or will NYC end up sending her packing?
85. Honeymoon for One by Chris KenistonA cute contemporary romance novella featuring a jilted bride, Michelle, who goes on what would have been her honeymoon cruise alone and shedding her persona meets Kirk, a hunk, who is into thrills.
Ten days of sun and fun, and then returning home to deal with the aftermath of her fiance and best friend being married and her company being purchased. Guess who is the man responsible for all of this? Will his thrill-a-minute lifestyle survive growing feelings?
Clean, not racy, content.
86. Keeper of Enchanted Rooms by Charlie N. Holmberg4.5 stars--A magical read featuring Merritt Fernsberg. and Hulda Larkin.
When Merritt inherits a house on a secluded island near Rhode Island, he discovers a world he never knew existed. The house, Whimbrel House, is enchanted. Why and how did this happen?
Enter Hulda, who works for BIKER, a magical organization which investigates and sorts out magicked houses. She is sent to Whimbrel House, and so doing meets Merritt. Will she be able to make this house livable? Will the pair be able to work together, or achieve some sort of understanding?
Past history also plays a part in this story with Silas, another magical character.
Magic, mystery, and romance all come together in this enchanting novel.
87. The Night Watchman by Louise ErdrichRealistic story, based upon the author's uncle, about the possible termination of a treaty (and hence the reservation) by the Congress.
Meeting all the characters (Patrice, Thomas, Vera, Wood Mountain, Roderick, etc.) and getting to know each is the basis for the story, putting a face on what is going on (or has gone on) by the government to quash these people, and understanding their resilience in the face of all this discrimination.
88. Dashing Through the Snowbirds by Donna AndrewsNumber thirty-two of the Meg Langslow mysteries finds Meg dealing with relatives, the community, Canadians, and a man that is about to be killed. It is, after all, Christmas in Caerphilly.
When her brother Rob's company, Mutant Wizards, takes on a programming job connected to a DNA company, Meg discovers that there is controversy connected to that company and the man who is its CEO. The question is: who is angry enough with him and his company to want him dead?
Per usual, the person who is killed probably deserves it, and Meg spends her time tracking down the killer with the help of the local police.
These cozy mysteries always have quirky characters and some humor, and this one is no exception, which starts with a punny title.
89. Queen of Babble Gets Hitched by Meg CabotLizzie Nichols is finally engaged to Luke (Jean-Luc), who is spending his summer in Paris working for an uncle. He's working in an investment house again although he says he wants to go to medical school.
Lizzie has a job she loves (restoring old wedding dresses into new ones) and everything is good, or so she thinks, well sort of.
Friends (and even her beloved grandmother) think she is not as in love with Luke as she believes herself to be. Yet, cracks are there (like unwillingness to set a date) , and when her grandmother dies, it isn't Luke who is comforting her.
Then her life seems to fall apart. Will she have a happily ever after? Doing her life's work? Or will she make a huge mistake and lose it all? Can she EVER keep her mouth shut, or will she always be known as the Queen of Babble?
A cute chick-lit, but geared more for twentysomethings than this reader.
One of the best features is the chapter beginnings of "A History of Weddings" and "Tips to Avoid a Wedding Day Disaster." The tips are truly useful (like mandatory thank you notes), and the wedding history explains how certain traditions have come to be (like why a garter is thrown).
90. The Lightkeeper by Susan WiggsA lightkeeper has kept to himself for twelve years, doing his job, hiding from the pain of the loss of his wife Emily.
Into Jesse Morgan's life comes Mary Dare, the sole survivor of a shipwreck. She will upend his life with her joy, her love, and a baby. Will he ever let her and the baby into his heart? A historical romance set on the Pacific coast--basically a beauty-and-the-beast romance.
91. Running Back by Allison ParrThis contemporary romance features an archeology graduate student, Natalie Sullivan, and Michael O'Connor, a running back for the New York Leopards football team.
Natalie is focused on finding Invernis, an Irish village that existed in Roman times, and she's been negotiating with Patrick O'Connor to allow her and her professor to excavate his land, Kilkarten. Just as she's gotten the permission from him, and grant money to fund the dig, the man dies leaving the land to Michael O'Connor, whom she cannot convince to honor the contract to allow the dig.
He is adamant, and she is determined, but who will win out? Will she be allowed to excavate the site, or will she never get the chance to find the elusive Invernis?
Then add chemistry to the mix, and they become involved. Natalie, though, doesn't believe in love, at least lasting love, but can Mike convince her otherwise?
It's a cute story, if only for the fact that Natalie is an archeologist (one of those careers many people dream about), and a professional football star.
Lots of typos, extra words, misplaced modifiers, a rather blatant continuity error, and misused words (a couple of examples, "lease" used instead of 'least' and a "bag of water" instead of 'bottle of water') and some What-the-tuck trends, too. Definitely needed an extra set of eyes in the editing department.
92. Other Birds by Sarah Addison AllenA group of diverse people all living in the same condo, the Dellawisp, become family in this latest novel by Sarah Addison Allen.
Zoey Hennessey comes to claim her mother's apartment at the Dellawisp, and there she meets Charlotte, Mac, Frasier, and Oliver. When a woman dies the night Zoey arrives, she is given a job with cleaning out Lizbeth Lime's apartment. That adventure starts Zoey on a journey that ends with Zoey getting to know each of the occupants of the Dellawisp. Each of them has secrets; each of them has a story.
There are also bright blue birds called Dellawisps, too, and also the invisible Pigeon, and a few ghosts.
With Allen's characteristic style, there is magic realism in the story. There is heart, and there is love.
The only complaint will be waiting for the next novel by this author.
93. Festive in Death by J.D. RobbIt's Christmas time in the city, and a festive spirit as well as murder is in the air. Lt. Eve Dallas, Peabody, Roarke, and the whole homicide crew is trying to solve the murder of a fitness trainer with a lust for women and a lust for blackmail (generally is a sleazeball).
Who bludgeoned Trey Zeigler with his own trophy and then stabbed him in the heart? It's up to Eve to figure out who killed him and hopefully before Christmas. There's enough people who have reason to have killed him to keep her busy, but even murdered sleazeballs deserve to have her stand for them. Not only that, but she's promised her nemesis (Summerset) to help with the festive party plans at the same time.
94. These Toxic Things by Rachel Howzell HallSuspenseful thriller puts a young woman who wants to preserve memories digitally in harm's way as she discovers the stories behind beautiful trinkets. Will she figure it out or will she die trying?
95. The Noel Letters by Richard Paul EvansAn estranged father and daughter, well, Noel, the daughter is estranged from her father with no desire to try for a reconciliation even though he has tried.
When Robert is dying, he asks, no begs, that she return from New York City to the home in Utah. Complying, she arrives but too late. He has died of cancer.
Staying on briefly, Noel's life is turned upside as she inherits her father's bookstore and all the people associated with it. She's angry, bitter, and more, but as Christmas approaches, she starts receiving a series of letters. Who is the mysterious writer? Will she stay or will she return to her life in NYC? Will she ever find the answers to the questions that plague her? Can she find a happily ever after or at least achieve some peace?
Quotes from authors lead each chapter add to the story
96. Edge of Glory by Magan VernonA contemporary romance between an Olympic gold medal swimmer, Jay Morningstar, and the small town (Friendship, Texas) waitress, Lia.
When Jay and his fellow swimmers sit at one of Lia's tables in her parents' Italian restaurant, romance ensues. Lia has had a crush on Jay (hey, she has a poster of him on her bedroom wall!) forever, but meeting him person takes it to a whole new level. Can she trust her feelings with him, or will he let her drown?
What about his past escapades? And his past girlfriends? Jay seems to really be into Lia, but could she really be what he is looking for? Then there are her parents and family, who keep a tight rein on her comings and goings. Yes, she is in college, but she still lives under their roof and adheres to their rules. Insecurity abounds for Lia and she builds walls to protect her heart.
Lots of WTT (smirks and winks, at least one green-eyed character, but surprisingly no tucking incidents (pushed hair back behind the ear instead)) and plenty of typos, errors, misused words. A careful re-read might have cleaned up most of them.
97. This Tender Land by William Kent KruegerFour children escape the confines (and clutches) of an abusive situation at a boarding school and travel south in a canoe during the Great Depression after a horrendous incident.
Along the way two brothers, one friend, and a young girl will meet all kinds of people down on their luck, but they learn to survive and play to their individual strengths as the people from the school and the local police chase them down.
Will the four make it to their final destination in Saint Louis, or will they be captured and face jail time? Who can they trust along the way?
Awesome story as told by one of the brothers, Odie, who is both a storyteller and a musician. Definitely worth reading, one of the best stories I have read this year.
98. Sugar Plum Spies by Jennifer EstepIt's Christmas time, but it isn't ever easy when one is a spy for Section 47. Who knows better than Charlotte Locke and Desmond Percy?
"Hanging out" as part of the waitstaff, Charlotte finds herself trying to get information about her arch-nemesis, while Desmond is a guest of the party where a huge ruby, the Nutcracker Ruby, is on display. Wherever they are, trouble is bound to come, and it does in this holiday-themed story.
Humor, sound effects, and people getting beaten up all are part of the festivities. While this can be read as a stand-alone, it's helpful to have read the preceding book.
And there's a page that I can even color! Unintentional or not, that just adds to the fun of the book!
A WTT trends, mostly smirks and winks. As Straight No Chaser reminded me, the Nutcracker is boring (I don't believe I have ever seen the whole thing; I give up early.), Can't say that about this book as it is action-packed.
99. The Christmas Wedding by James Patterson and Richard DiLalloTold from the first perspective of the intended bride, Gaby Summerhill, this is the story of the lead up to and the wedding itself. The bride is the mother of four adult children (Seth, Claire, Emily, and Lizzie) who have drifted apart in the aftermath of their father's death three years earlier. Gaby hopes to bring them all home with the wedding. And it works...now to find out which of three men does she intend to wed.
Yes, Gaby is kind; yes, she is philanthropic; yes, she takes care of her children and grandchildren, but she also seems pretty shallow, too, with her videos and playing with the emotions of the three men (Marty, Jacob, and Tom), who have all asked her to marry them recently. The wedding has a bride, but not yet a groom. She's yet to answer any of them UNTIL the day of.
Overall, the story is okay, but not great. The cover seems a mismatch since the bride is fifty-four and the bride seems more like mid-twenties. 2.5 stars
100. Winter Interlude by Sandy LoydThis contemporary romance finds a pair, who don't care for each other, looking at the other differently as they try to be nice to each other for once.
Kate has planned a skiing weekend for her boyfriend James, hoping that will make him finally pop the question. In addition, she invited with her best friend Judith, who wants to take her boyfriend Paul, but only under the condition there is no nasty words between Kate and Paul.
Plans get changed; Kate and Paul travel up earlier while Judith and James are to join them later when their last minute work issues are complete.
As the pair struggles to "play nice," they have a fantastic time skiing together, but get totally snowed in (and the other two unable to make it). How will they cope? When sparks fly, will they succumb to it, or will their relationship with others keep them in check?
Sexual tension abounds, and each has issues (as played out in their individual minds over and over again).
Will they or won't they? 2.5 stars
This contemporary romance was written from the perspective of the male protagonist, Tom Donnely, AKA Tom Cat.
Each chapter leads with a confession from the self-professed "manwhore," who does not date, but has been involved with plenty of women over the years.
One of his confessions: (paraphrased) I do not get involved with my sisters' friends. Having said that, Tom finds that he is attracted to his sister Lori's best friend, Hailey, whom he has not seen in years. That is, until she returns and they meet again at his sister's baby shower.
Playing it cool doesn't work for either of them, so it is a sneak-around-and-don't-get-caught, on-again-off-again, just-friends, and just-sex type of relationship.
Will he admit his growing feelings for her? Will she accept his attitude of "just friends" even as the sex is spicy, hot, or will they take it to a different, more committed relationship?
Plenty of What-the-tuck trends...lots of winking and smirking, but also Hailey's green eyes, and even a hair tucking incident right near the end of the book. The fact that it is written primarily from the male point of view made a refreshing change though.